Spain will decide by 22 April on whether or not online slots and exchange betting will be legalised within the dot.es market, the country’s online gambling regulator announced today.
Spanish regulator the DGOJ revealed the deadline as it opened its consultation into the potential impacts of legalising online slots and exchange betting on Spain and its gambling sector.
Stakeholders and interested parties now have 21 days – or until 6 March - to comment on the possible regulation of online slots and exchange betting, with the regulator publishing its decision 45 days after that - by 22 April - after the DGOJ has analysed the submissions.
Spanish regulator the DGOJ has requested input on four issues as part of its evidence-gathering exercise aimed at informing its decision on whether or not to authorise the new games. These include examples and empirical evidence of best international practice in relation to online slots and exchange betting, and cost-benefit analysis of the potential impact of regulation in Spain, including of “the potential direct and indirect effects on society as a whole.”
The organisation has however emphasised that submissions must explain how regulation of the new games will contribute to the DGOJ meeting its main regulatory goals, such as the prevention of underage play, illegal gambling and gambling-related crime; the promotion of fair play and responsible gambling; and providing legal certainty for players in terms of protection of funds and personal data.
The regulator has specifically invited submissions from those affected by problem gambling, research centres “and all those who wish to contribute to an open and transparent debate”.
The DGOJ first revealed its intention to consult on the possible regulation of slots and exchange betting two weeks ago, when it dampened expectations among attendant dot.es operators that the authorisation of online slots was imminent by announcing it needed more time to consider the potential risks to players.
In the case of exchange betting, the regulatory authority said two weeks ago that it lacked “accurate information and studies” that analysed the effects on the country of this product being legalised.
Also in Spain, 888 received the first licence for live roulette from the DGOJ this week, with other operators soon expected to follow suit.
Article written by Stephen Carter
