The Valencian Government has opened a public consultation on a draft decree to update the regulatory framework for gambling halls. The initiative aims to replace the 2015 regulations and guarantee legal certainty.
Under the proposed changes, gaming venues should use digital entry systems that check the Valencian Community’s Register of Excluded Persons in real time before allowing access.
The draft removes the requirement for prior administrative approval to offer betting services within gaming halls. Previously, operators were required to submit an application to obtain this authorisation.
The regulation introduces changed venue-size requirements for opening new establishments. Gaming halls in municipalities with more than 120,000 inhabitants should have a minimum gaming operational space of 130 square metres. In these areas, gaming halls cannot operate fewer than twelve Type B machines.
A bar service is permitted, provided that this area does not exceed 25% of the total floor space and does not include a terrace. In smaller municipalities and towns, a minimum gaming operational space is set at 100 square metres.
Previously, the Valencian Government approved a decree imposing 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 permitted only when an existing licensed venue relocates. However, the new locations must comply with the minimum distance requirements from sensitive venues.
In separate news from Spain, regulator DGOJ has released its Q1 2026 online gambling market report, showing gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €454.2m ($526.9m). This represents a 13.9% increase year-on-year despite a 6.5% decline compared with the previous quarter.
Online gambling in Spain grew in the full year 2025, with GGR reaching €1.7bn, representing a 16.99% increase compared with the previous year
