Spain Eyes Licensed Prediction Betting as DGOJ Proposes Regulatory Overhaul
2026-07-21
Source: Focus Gaming News
A recent webinar reveals that the DGOJ is consulting on amendments to Spain's Remote Gambling Act, while cross-operator deposit limits will begin testing in September, and prediction betting remains viable under current rules. The upcoming Gaming in Spain Conference will delve into these and other regulatory developments.
Recent discussions during a Gaming in Spain webinar have brought to light a series of significant regulatory shifts in the country's regulated iGaming sector, including proposed amendments to remote gambling laws and the upcoming launch of cross-operator deposit limits.
Proposed Legislative Changes
The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has opened a public consultation on targeted amendments to Spain's Remote Gambling Act. The proposed changes aim to tighten player identification protocols to curb income tax evasion, establish a registry of approved B2B software suppliers as a bulwark against illegal gambling, and introduce further advertising restrictions consistent with earlier government efforts to limit gambling promotions.
Cross-Operator Deposit Limits
A new framework for cross-operator deposit limits has been approved by the Spanish government. A six-month testing period is set to commence on September 25, with full implementation scheduled for March 25, 2027. According to projections shared during the webinar, this measure is expected to reduce annual onshore player spend by €300 million. Market channelisation is forecast to fall from 76% to 74% in 2027, eventually stabilising at around 71% from 2028 onward.
Prediction Markets and Prediction Betting
Despite recent enforcement actions against platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, opportunities remain for offering prediction betting under current Spanish regulations. Such offerings are permissible when operators act solely as intermediaries for wagers on sporting events, suggesting a potential avenue for licensed prediction betting in the country.
Upcoming Industry Conference
The Gaming in Spain Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 in Madrid. The agenda will cover new regulatory developments, including the DGOJ's novel problem gambling detection algorithm and the cross-operator deposit limits. Additionally, emerging game types such as prediction betting and sweepstakes will be explored. Confirmed speakers include Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, alongside other industry experts.