Spanish operators signal strong opposition against gambling reform ahead of Gaming in Spain Conference

As the Spanish government is preparing another round of gambling restrictions, licensed operators are now indicating that they will resist these measures as much as possible.

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 these government proposals, trade body Jdigital recently released a statement in which it indicated that it would not cooperate with the government and regulator until at least after next year's parliamentary elections: 

“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.”

Spanish-licensed operators thus appear to be betting 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.