Regulatory Resistance Grows in Spain as Operators Reject Reform Timetable and Weigh Court Challenge

Spanish licensed operators are mounting firm resistance to a new wave of government gambling restrictions that include cross-operator deposit limits and a centrally run problem gambling detection system.

According to reporting by iGaming Future, longer-term plans also target amendments to the national gambling act that would impose significant marketing curbs. The industry response combines a refusal to cooperate on the current timetable with talk of litigation.

Jdigital Ties Reform Work to Post-Election Horizon

Trade body Jdigital released a statement making clear it will withhold cooperation with the government and the DGOJ until after next year’s parliamentary elections. The body stated: “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.”

Operators appear to be counting on the Partido Popular returning to power in 2027.

Court Action Floated as Conference Looms

In a recent Gaming in Spain webinar, Xavi Munoz, Managing Partner at ECIJA Barcelona, said that Spanish-licensed operators are clearly unhappy with the proposed reforms. Munoz reported that operators are considering a court case to prevent the DGOJ from introducing cross-operator deposit limits.

All sides will meet at the Gaming in Spain Conference scheduled for October 15, 2026, at the Auditorio ECIJA in Madrid. Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, and Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital, are both listed to appear.

Reporting: iGaming Future

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