Spain has taken a decisive step, positioning itself at the forefront of European gambling regulation. The country hosted the recent International Gaming Congress to showcase its policy ambitions and its growing influence among EU regulators. The event provided a platform for senior officials, operators, academics, and international experts to discuss the industry’s responsibilities.
Lawmakers Are Aware of Emerging Challenges
Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, opened the event. He stressed that the protection of minors and the prevention of early exposure to gambling products remain a leading priority for Spain. According to Bustinduy, the ministry aims to foster an environment where gaming can exist without compromising public health or leading to gambling harm.
Andrés Barragán, Spain’s Secretary General of Consumer Affairs and Gaming, took a harsher stance, highlighting a series of new measures targeting consumer rights recently approved by the country’s Congress of Deputies. Highlights include a complete ban on welcome bonuses for new players and a rule requiring that any online gaming payment must come from a bank card registered to the same person who holds the gaming account.
The event also provided a platform for academic researchers. Their work focused on behavioural patterns, harm-prevention strategies, and the social consequences of gambling. The format encouraged dialogue between researchers and industry, aligning with the event’s goal to foster collaboration over confrontation. These new findings will be invaluable in striking a balance between consumer safety and economic sustainability.
Cross-Border Collaboration Remains Crucial
Spain’s focus on gambling regulation innovation became even more evident during a separate meeting on November 12 hosted by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ). Regulators from Germany, France, Austria, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Portugal agreed to enhance cross-border cooperation against illegal online gambling, an issue exacerbated by rapid technological innovation.
Officials pointed out that unlicensed operators often manage to circumvent local restrictions, exploiting consumers and undermining the regulated sector. Illegal advertising was another emerging issue due to the proliferation of problematic marketing across social media platforms, video-hosting sites, and affiliate networks. Such ads often seek to blur the line between licensed and illicit operators.
The regulators agreed to share information on illegal operators, file joint complaints with social media and digital platforms to remove illicit advertising, and share best practices to improve detection and enforcement. A voluntary regulatory framework for regulators and operators, endorsed by national standardisation bodies, is due for publication in early 2026.