SPAIN Law and Practice Contributed by: Alla Serebrianskaia, Marta de Francisco, Sara Lao and Laura Llorca, Asensi Abogados
This measure reflects a new regulatory approach to responsible gambling, aligned with Royal Decree 176/2023, which reframes “safe gambling” as a shared responsibility between operators, regulators, and the market environment, rather than solely relying
• EUR1,453.6 million for federal private gaming (online); and • EUR5,454.9 million for state lotteries and betting (public gambling). Regional Developments At the regional level, the land-based gambling sector is still implementing several measures aimed at rein- forcing the protection of vulnerable individuals and tightening advertising controls. The most relevant regulatory updates in 2025 are outlined below. Canary Islands In June 2025, the Canary Islands Parliament approved Law 2/2025, amending the regional Gambling Law (Law 8/2010). The reform introduces additional restric- tions, including: • a prohibition on minors and persons with disabili- ties from using gaming and amusement terminals with prizes or participating in regulated betting and gaming activities; • stricter location rules prohibiting gambling prem- ises near educational centres or facilities serving minors, extended also to bars and cafés within those zones; and • a new Article 11 bis, establishing a minimum straight-line distance of 200 metres between gam- ing arcades (and between an arcade and a bingo hall); while this measure does not apply retroac- tively, it will affect any future relocations. Castilla-La Mancha The region enacted Law 2/2025, excluding from the scope of the regional gambling law games declared as Assets of Cultural Interest held only once or during specific seasons. The reform also harmonises access control procedures for gambling establishments with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) criteria on the processing of personal data. Valencia In 2025, two key developments shaped the regulatory landscape in the Valencian Community. First, through Decree-Law 8/2025, the suspension on new authorisations for gambling premises and the operation of Category B terminals in hospitality ven-
on individual player self-control. Strengthening of AML controls
The Spanish gambling sector is currently adapting to the new EU AML/CFT framework adopted in June 2024, which includes the establishment of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), the single- rulebook AML Regulation, and the 6th AML Directive. The new framework seeks to harmonise AML stand- ards, enhance supervision, and ensure closer co-ordi- nation with European bodies such as the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European supervisory authorities (ESAs). At the national level, gambling operators remain under dual supervision by SEPBLAC and the DGOJ. How- ever, in 2025, SEPBLAC adopted a stricter interpreta- tion of compliance requirements, clarifying that video identification has been mandatory since 2016 under its official authorisation. This change has generated concern among operators due to the operational and financial impact of conducting video calls for every new user. Industry discussions are ongoing, although SEPBLAC currently maintains its position. Further details can be found in 8.2 AML Require- ments . Market performance In terms of recent market performance, according to the latest quarterly report (Q2 2025) issued by the Spanish gambling regulator, the online gambling industry recorded an 18.60% increase in gross gam- ing revenue (GGR) compared to the same quarter of 2024. While this does not represent a substantial rise, the key takeaway is that GGR continues to show steady year-on-year growth. Recently, the figures for the Spanish gaming market in 2024 were published, showing GGR totals of: • EUR1,201.6 million for regional private gaming.
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