Spanish Operators Resist New Gambling Reform Plans

By Jovana Vukovic

Spanish gambling operators are signaling resistance to a new package of regulatory measures as the government prepares further changes to the country’s regulated market. The proposals include cross-operator deposit limits and a DGOJ-mandated algorithm designed to identify problem gambling. Longer-term plans also include amendments to Spain’s gambling law and additional marketing restrictions.

The industry’s response has already taken a firm direction, with trade association Jdigital indicating that it does not expect to work with the government and regulator through the remainder of the current parliamentary term.

Jdigital Raises Concerns Over Legislative Timeline

Jdigital recently outlined its position as preparations continue for the proposed reforms. The organization pointed to the limited time remaining in the current legislative session and questioned whether such a major overhaul could pass into law before the next parliamentary elections.

“In the final phase of the current legislative session, and with no expectation that a reform of this magnitude can complete the legislative process and become law, the work carried out in the coming months must necessarily be viewed with a horizon that extends beyond the current legislative term.”

The position has led to expectations that licensed operators may be looking beyond the current government cycle. The supplied material indicates that operators appear to be placing some hope in the Partido Popular returning to power in 2027.

The dispute also highlights the uncertainty surrounding the timing of regulatory changes. Any substantial amendments would need to progress through the legislative process, while the current parliamentary timetable limits the period available for the government to advance its plans.

Deposit Limits Could Lead to Legal Action

The proposed cross-operator deposit system has also emerged as a point of contention. During a recent Gaming in Spain webinar, gaming lawyer Xavi Munoz, Managing Partner at ECIJA Barcelona, said licensed operators remain clearly dissatisfied with the government’s planned changes.

According to Munoz, operators are considering legal proceedings against the government in an effort to prevent the DGOJ from putting cross-operator deposit limits into operation.

The issue adds a legal dimension to the wider dispute over how Spain should strengthen gambling controls. Alongside the deposit-limit proposal, authorities are preparing a central problem gambling detection algorithm, while broader reforms could introduce further restrictions on gambling marketing.

Conference to Examine Spain’s Regulatory Direction

The industry’s response to the reforms will form part of the agenda at the 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference, scheduled for October 15 in Madrid. DGOJ Director General Mikel Arana and Jdigital Director General Jorge Hinojosa are both due to appear at the event.

Discussions will also cover the growing black market, AML and fraud prevention, as well as new products and technologies. The conference is scheduled to take place at Auditorio ECIJA, with registration currently open.

The event comes as operators and regulators face a period of uncertainty over the next stage of Spain’s gambling framework. The timing of any legislative changes will remain closely connected to the current parliamentary timetable and the country’s 2027 political cycle.

Source:

“Spanish operators signal strong opposition against gambling reform ahead of Gaming in Spain Conference”, Press Release, September 29, 2026