The Government of the Valencian Community has approved a new decree imposing strict controls on the expansion of land-based gaming.
Under the new framework, no new licences will be issued for gaming machines in hospitality venues, except where replacement or renewal is permitted under applicable regulations.
Restrictions on new gaming halls and betting shops remain in place. Licences will only be granted in cases where an existing establishment is being relocated away from sensitive venues.
Similarly, the opening of new bingo halls will be allowed only when an existing licensed venue is relocated. However, the new locations must comply with the minimum distance requirements from sensitive venues.
Furthermore, new regulations require the Valencian Generalitat to conduct an assessment of the gambling sector every five years. The ongoing reviews will evaluate market developments and determine whether to amend or maintain these measures.
Overall, the regulation aims to strike a balance between supporting a regulated gambling market and strengthening protections against gambling-related harm and addiction.
This Valencian “zero-growth” gambling policy was proposed in March this year.
On a national level, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, through the regulator DGOJ, launched a public consultation on amendments to the Gambling Regulation Law.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry aims to regulate the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling advertising, customer acquisition promotions, as well as organic gambling advertising on search engines.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Government has approved a draft law on the governance of Artificial Intelligence, introducing new rules on AI systems, such as those designed to prevent behavioural influencing, including within gambling.
Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs ordered the blocking of Kalshi and Polymarket for offering gambling services in Spain without the required licence
