As Spain has announced plans to hold general elections on 29th November, the gambling reform remains uncertain.
This comes after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s decision to call an unexpected general election, which will interfere with the ongoing work on the country’s gambling legislation overhaul.
Due to the elections, Spain now faces uncertainty regarding the implementation of various gambling regulations. There is a chance that this election will serve to postpone or change the course of reforming Spain’s gambling Law 13/2011.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030 launched consultations aimed at reforming the 2011 gambling law. The reform proposals suggest stricter controls of the gambling advertisements with the engagement of celebrity and influencers, as well as limitation regarding promotions for acquiring customers, limitations on gambling ads in search engines, and expanded warnings about gambling risks.
The Royal Decree 520/2026, which was approved in June of this year, foresees establishing cross-operator deposit limits. The limits are defined as €700 per day, €1,750 per week, €3,300 for a four-week period.
Cristina Romero de Alba, a partner at gambling law specialists Loyra Abogados, said:
Gambling regulation may feature in wider debates about consumer protection, public health and the digital economy, but there is little indication that it will be a significant electoral dividing line.
Despite the fact that Spain’s gambling law reform is delayed, the measures that have been approved will be in effect regardless of the elections.