When we think of Spain, we immediately think of beautiful beaches, holidays, tapas and sangria. Spain is a popular destination for tourists around the world and is definitely a land of fun and games. In addition, Spain has a very large number of gamblers and online casino España developed into a major market that some analysts say it might be even bigger than the one in the United Kingdom. The legal background of online gambling in Spain has a very sinuous journey and this article depicts its history up to the present.

1. The regulation of online gambling in Spain. Spain finally confirmed the status of a large European country with a self-sufficient online gambling market in Spain in 2014 by forming a government agency responsible for the regulation of activities in gambling industry – the Gambling Commission of Spain (Commission Nacional del Juego).
2. Finally the Spanish government approved a ban on marketing in almost all forms of online gambling, something that critics say will not really protect consumers as the government believes. During the session of the Council of Ministers of Spain last tuesday, the government approved the Royal Decree related to the advertising of gambling games.

Laws and history

Spain’s gambling scene changed drastically after the Spanish Gambling Actin 2011. Gambling has been legal in Spain for more than 30 years, but a lot of casinos especially in the autonomous communities like Andalusia, The Basque Country, Canary Islands, Catalonia etc. were operating without a license and regardless of any regulation. When the Spanish Gambling Act took over, it created the backbone of online casinos.

However, the start was very slow and it took some failed attempts to get to what it is now. In 2006 the government passed the first online gambling laws, which legalized online betting and in physical shops. The first licensed betting outlets were only opened at the beginning of 2008 though, so things were going very smoothly. As mentioned before, casinos in the 17 regional communities were massively overlooked. Smaller regions like Catalonia opened licensed casinos in their districts, but with poker, blackjack and slots still banned. Finally, the Spanish Gambling Act had the main purpose of regulating the country’s online and offline gambling. It may seem simple, but it required national coordination including the distinct regional governments. The Gambling Act has a focus on internet gambling and betting, including mobile phones, television, desktops, landlines, and any technological means. Therefore, the act is very exhaustive and also covers advertising, sponsorships, and promotions. This forbids any kind of advertising or sponsorships related to any operators or casinos that don’t hold a legal license.

Online Gambling Rules And Regulations

The eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance was established in 2003. It is now an internationally respected testing agency in the online gaming industry. The BMM Spain office is part.

Officially regulated

At the moment there’s a 10-year regulation scheme for gambling in the country, with the request that the casino operators hold their servers in Spain.
After its release, every operator must get a license from the National Gambling Commission before providing any services. This also means they pay taxes and of course, licenses are not transferable. The regulation also states that all domains must be under .es, so all businesses should be within the country.

Under .es also means under regulation and safety. To this day the Gambling Act is proving to be very efficient and an example for other countries that try to maintain a gambling landscape that’s both successful and safe. The law is keeping unlicensed and outlaw providers from business and the main interest remain the citizens of Spain. Up to 50 websites closed down voluntarily, yet so many others that refused to do it are being investigated and pressured any kind of activity. This is proof of a sharp and successful system that facilitated the fast development of online gambling in Spain.

Spain – Gambling Summit Capital

Another proof that The Gambling Act was more than effective are the major gambling events held in Spain recently. This steep growth and regulation put Spain on the map as one of the best countries for gambling and certainly adds an extra fun factor for being a classic holiday destination. Safe gambling, good weather on the beach, fun and stable market, these are the elements of a deadly combo. Spain was the home of a few big events in the gambling world, even though its government legalized it only recently. The European Poker Tour, World Gaming Summit, these are just a couple of many events that are now one of the biggest in the world. Delegates, operators, and players everywhere meet in Spain to gamble, have fun and discuss the future of online and offline gaming.

What Holds The Future For Spain?

This small overview of the legislative framework of gambling in Spain made it possible for its recent growth. Once the online gambling was regulated, the international online gambling community cheered. As this was finally acknowledged as a more profitable business, the government proved to trust that online casinos will bring more revenue and are a key element of the future market.

Offline casinos weren’t so happy about the rapid development and have always tried to slow the process down a bit. The regulations of online casinos for Spanish citizens remain tight and restrictive, and this could be seen in a not very large range of casino choices for gamblers. However, a lot of new casinos are welcoming players on their websites. Ultimately, the future looks good for online gambling in Spain and the laws are likely to go easy on them, in order to unlock a larger variety of casinos and games. Spain remains a nation of great gambling culture.

Citizens against increase in gambling

On Sunday, thousands of people marched through streets across Spain in protest against the rapid increase in gambling activity and betting shops across the country.

The largest demonstration took place in Spain’s capital city, Madrid. The protesters are unhappy with the number of betting shops popping up in and around schools. They are urging other alternatives for leisure activities.

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Total elimination

Protesters want to betting shops to be closed down. Those protesting against gambling feel that it is destroying neighborhoods.

Adrián Belaire, a spokesperson for the group that organized the march, stated that the goal is to not regulation, but a total elimination of betting shops. Belaire said that these places cannot exist in the city or in the neighborhoods because

they’re [betting shops] always going to be next to leisure centers, primary schools, high schools, libraries or parks.”

The gambling industry has sparked alarm among many who see the growing presence of the activity in the streets and online. They feel the availability is an issue that leads to addiction problems.

Teenage addiction

Protesters are worried about the influx of betting shops across Spain, especially in regions like Madrid. The capital city is a central area where shops are popping up at an alarming rate, with many being built near schools.

According to VSO News, a new study has found an increase in teenage gambling addiction across the country. Spain reportedly has the highest rate of teenage addiction in Europe.

The Federation of Rehabilitated Gamblers and Madrid’s Association of Psychologists report that one in five Spanish teens have a gambling addiction. Teens from the age of 14 to 21 took part in the survey.

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Spain reportedly has the highest rate of teenage addiction in Europe

Stricter regulations are being called for regarding betting shop advertising, as the activity has become normalized for teens.

Experts from the Official College of Psychologists in Madrid have stated that the age limit to access betting shops has been lowered. Therefore, more families report gambling addiction issues involving their children.

Gambling Rules And Regulations

Regulation

Online Gambling Regulation

In Spain, the government is in charge of online gambling and regulating games. The self-governing first-level political subdivisions of Spain, like Madrid, are responsible for gambling in their territory.

Authorities in Madrid recently took action against gambling by banning public media from advertising bets. Officials also placed a 100-meter ban on betting shops located near schools.