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What are the gambling laws in Spain?
Spain's gambling market is among the largest in Europe, with over 50 Spanish land-based casinos responsible for the bulk of all traffic and revenue, and internet betting steadily growing. All forms of gambling are regulated in Spain and supervised through national and regional governing entities.
While gaming was always a favorite pastime in the country, it was not until 2011 the sector received a large-scale regulatory framework to establish proper, nationwide control and better functioning of the market, as well as protect the interests of operators and consumers alike. Prior to this time, each of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain managed gambling activities in accordance with their own local laws.
The first comprehensive legislation was introduced on May 26, 2011, to regulate different forms of gambling across the country, prevent risk behavior, money laundering and fraud, establish licensing procedures and maintain a high standard of service. The Act consolidates separate control measures of the provinces into a wholesome system that serves as the foundation of all future laws, but the regions are still allowed to enact individual policies within their respective territories.
The Spanish Gambling Act has appointed three main governing bodies to oversee different sectors of the industry. The National Gambling Commission grants licenses, resolves disputes between companies, protects the interests of all parties involved and enacts penalties or sanctions as needed. The Gambling Policy Council was formed to help coordinate and discuss regional policies. Its decisions and rulings are then used by The Economy and Treasury Ministry to determine the rules for each game.
What are the licensing requirements?
Companies must obtain licenses from the Government to be able to offer online or land-based services on the territory of Spain. At the moment, licenses are acquired for distributing all categories of casino games, sports betting, horse racing betting, exchange betting, bingo and complimentary games.
According to the legislation, there are several requirements that all operators must fulfill before they can apply for a permit. Only experienced companies with proper resources and adequate means to run a successful business will be considered eligible to enter the administrative procedure. Also, online operators need to use a specified Spanish internet domain and direct all connections to go through this particular domain. The National Gambling Commission may grant three main types of permits:
- A single license allows the provision of each type of gambling game for the duration of between one to five years.
- A general license is necessary to enter the market and conduct a gambling-related business; it is valid for ten years and can be renewed after this period expires.
- Permits are issued for occasional gaming activities that take place anywhere in the country.
Access to unlicensed foreign companies is blocked in Spain, and the companies themselves are required to ban Spanish players as stipulated by law. Those that fail to do so may face penalties and fines of up to 50 million Euros.
As the first attempt to legislate a booming market, the Spanish Gambling Act leaves plenty of room for improvement. There are many loopholes to close, especially within the online realm, but the legislation has nevertheless provided a firm basis upon which more effective legal systems can be built.
Below is a list of all the online casinos licensed in Spain, for more info on gambling in Spain you can visit the official website here.
Spain Casinos: 19
Betsson
09/08/16
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Sign Up Bonus - Spain
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100% up to €200
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150 Spins
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