More than 50 submissions are being examined before the regulator prepares draft legislation to amend Gambling Act 13/2011
Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation has opened a series of meetings with organisations that contributed to the preliminary consultation on reforming Gambling Act 13/2011.
The process began with Jdigital, Spain’s online gambling trade association, and has included representatives from the land-based sector and other organisations affected by the legislation.
The meetings are intended to give the DGOJ a clearer understanding of the proposals submitted before it prepares the first draft of the amended law.
More than 50 submissions received
The DGOJ opened its preliminary public consultation in May and accepted contributions until 22 June. Citizens, businesses, associations and other interested parties submitted more than 50 responses.
The regulator identified several priorities for the reform:
- Strengthening identity and payment-method verification.
- Preventing identity fraud and underage gambling.
- Improving enforcement against illegal operators.
- Reviewing the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling advertising.
- Introducing further tools to protect players.
The reform is intended to update the national framework in response to technological developments, changing consumer behaviour and the evolution of Spain’s online gambling market.
Meetings continue across the sector
Following its initial meeting with Jdigital, the DGOJ met with land-based gaming associations and LaLiga.
The consultation round subsequently continued with organisations including state lottery operator SELAE and Barcelona’s Public Health Agency. Industry associations involved in the process have included ANESAR and FEMARA.
By meeting contributors individually, the regulator aims to compare the different positions submitted during the consultation and identify areas of agreement or disagreement before drafting the legislation.
Further public consultation planned
Once the meetings and analysis of the submissions have concluded, the DGOJ will prepare an articulated draft.
That text will then be submitted to the formal public information and consultation procedure, giving industry stakeholders, consumer organisations and members of the public another opportunity to comment before the proposal advances through the legislative process.
The DGOJ says its objective is to develop a balanced regulatory framework adapted to the current market while improving consumer protection and the effectiveness of oversight of state-level online gambling.
