Spanish Snap Election on November 29 Places Gambling Act Reforms in Limbo
Pedro Sánchez called a snap election for November 29, delaying reforms to Gambling Act Law 13/2011 on advertising and promotions. Royal Decree 520/2026 deposit limits of EUR 700 daily remain on track for March 2027 but face a Supreme Court challenge from Jdigital, which succeeded with a similar case in April 2024.
SCCG Take — Operators face extended uncertainty on advertising rules while deposit caps advance under legal challenge; post-election policy direction will require close monitoring.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for November 29, citing public discontent over the housing crisis. The decision, which experts view as an attempt to shift voter anger toward political opponents, leaves proposed changes to the country’s gambling framework unresolved.
No legislation updating the Gambling Act, Law 13/2011 had been submitted to parliament before the announcement. Earlier this year the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 opened a consultation on tighter rules for celebrity and influencer advertising, customer acquisition promotions, search engine advertisements, and risk warnings. The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) held stakeholder discussions through the summer.
Election Creates Pause in Gambling Act Overhaul
As reported by GamblingNews, Cristina Romero de Alba, partner at Loyra Abogados, described the snap election as “a significant pause, and potentially a change of direction” for the Gambling Act revisions. The timing means the broader reform package will not advance until after the vote and any resulting government formation.
Gambling itself is not expected to drive voter decisions. Romero de Alba observed that while regulation could surface within wider talks on consumer protection, public health, and the digital economy, the campaign will focus primarily on housing.
Approved Deposit Limits Face Supreme Court Challenge
Measures already enacted will continue on their existing schedule. Royal Decree 520/2026, approved in June, sets cross-operator deposit limits at EUR 700 daily, EUR 1,750 weekly, and EUR 3,300 over four weeks. The system is scheduled to take effect in March, 2027.
Jdigital, the Spanish online gambling trade association, intends to contest the decree before the Supreme Court. It argues the limits require full legislative approval rather than decree. The association prevailed on comparable grounds In April 2024, when the court struck down provisions in a separate royal decree. That precedent introduces material legal risk to the deposit limits even though the election itself will not disturb them.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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