Gaming in Spain participants to address looming industry challenges

• Gaming in Spain is due to take place on Thursday, October 15, seeking to address the new gambling restrictions being introduced by the Spanish government
• Among the measures are a cross-operator deposit limit and a new problem gambling detection algorithm, with tougher marketing restrictions planned for the longer term
• The event will be attended by DGOJ and Jdigital representatives, making it a key place to discuss the immediate future of Spain’s regulated market

Licensed operators are signaling strongopposition to a new round of gambling restrictions, according to the Gaming in Spain organizers, who say the operators intend to resist the measures as much as possible.

The measures appear to be largely opposed, and they include cross-operator deposit limits and a new central DGOJ-mandated problem gambling detection algorithm, along with - among other things - tougher marketing restrictions that apply to the licensed sector.

According to the organizers, Jdigital has indicated it will not cooperate with the government and the 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."

A court case is being considered, according to Xavi Munoz, a gaming lawyer and Managing Partner at ECIJA Barcelona, cited by Gaming in Spain. Operators could consider legal action in response to the government-backed plan. By potentially targeting DGOJ in court, stakeholders may hope to block the enforcement of the measures.

This topic and others will be discussed at the upcoming Gaming in Spain Conference, scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, with particular attention to the new challenges the sector faces.

These conversations will not be happening in a vacuum either, with both Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, and Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital, making an appearance at the event and helping further advance the conversation surrounding the matter.

Image credit: Gaming in Spain