The Spanish Government’s draft Royal Decree to strengthen AML and CFT measures introduces a series of changes for the gambling industry. The modifications affect customer identification, payment controls and internal procedures, particularly for online operators.
The draft retains the requirement to identify players for winnings of €2,500 ($2,889) or more. However, it emphasises that all applicable transactions must be identified to ensure a preventive approach.
For online gambling, the draft legislation removes the option of using EU-based bank accounts as a sufficient form of identity verification. Operators will need to apply stricter internal controls.
They must also ensure that the holder of the payment method matches the account holder for both deposits and withdrawals. The measure is designed to prevent the use of third parties or external payment methods, which the legislation considers “problematic.”
The draft also addresses emerging technologies linked to alternative payment methods. In the case of crypto ATMs, operators must verify the identity of the user for every transaction without exception, strengthening oversight of these channels.
Organisationally, internal control obligations are being reinforced. Operators must maintain written policies covering both AML measures and compliance with international financial sanctions. Risk assessments will need to incorporate a wider range of data, including national, European and sector-specific evaluations.
The draft establishes a more structured system for data collection and risk analysis, aiming to improve the detection of suspicious patterns and operational typologies. Operators will be expected to provide more detailed information and align with supervisory criteria.
The role of Sepblac, Spain’s financial intelligence unit, is also strengthened, with increased supervision and coordination. This will result in tighter control over reporting obligations for suspicious transactions and more intensive oversight.
The Spanish regulator DGOJ recently presented a Safe Gambling Programme for 2026 to 2030. Measures target youth protection, research on emerging technologies like AI and strengthened collaboration with treatment providers
Online gambling in Spain grew in 2025, with GGR reaching €1.7bn, up 16.99% from the previous year
