Operators oppose the gambling reform ahead of the Gaming in Spain Conference

Measures in the process of being launched include cross-operator deposit limits and a new central, DGOJ-mandated problem gambling detection algorithm. In the longer term, the Spanish government intends to amend the country's gambling act and introduce, among other things, significant new marketing restrictions.

Industry body Jdigital signals strong opposition

In response to the government's proposals, industry trade body Jdigital recently issued a statement declaring it will not cooperate with the government or the regulator until after next year’s parliamentary elections:

"In the final stretch of the current legislative session, and with no real expectation that a reform of this magnitude can clear the legislative process to become law, any work undertaken in the coming months must necessarily look beyond the current term." 

Spanish-licensed operators express their opposition, banking on the more industry-friendly Partido Popular returning to power in 2027.

Court proceedings against cross-operator deposit limits?

During a recent Gaming in Spain webinar, gaming lawyer Xavi Munoz, Managing Partner at ECIJA Barcelona, said that Spanish-licensed operators are clearly unhappy with the proposed reforms.

Furthermore, they are considering launching a court case against the government to stop the DGOJ from implementing cross-operator deposit limits.

What does this mean for the 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference?

Regulatory reform and the industry's reaction will be important topics at this year's Gaming in Spain Conference, which will take place on October 15, 2026, in Madrid.

With Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, and Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital, both making an appearance at the event, the 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference promises to be the place where the immediate future of Spain's regulated iGaming market will be discussed.

The event's full agenda – which includes sessions on the growing threat of the black market, AML and fraud prevention, new products and technologies, and much more – is available here.

Practical information

The 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference takes place Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Auditorio ECIJA, close to the beating the heart of always lively Madrid.

Registration for the event is now open. Click here to register.