Joan Devesa

Joan Devesa was a prominent figure in the Spanish gambling industry, particularly in Catalonia, where he served as the president of ACORDJOC (the Catalan Association of Recreational Gaming Operators) until his unexpected death in May 2025. He was widely respected for his commitment to dialogue, professionalization, and the defense of the private gaming sector in Catalonia.

Devesa was reelected to a five-year term as president in March 2023, a testament to the confidence the industry placed in his leadership. Colleagues described him as an "impulsor del diálogo, la profesionalización y la defensa del Juego privado en Cataluña" (promoter of dialogue, professionalization, and defense of private gaming in Catalonia). His death was mourned across the industry, with many companies and associations expressing their condolences.

Before his presidency, Devesa had a long career in the gaming sector, though specific earlier roles are not publicly documented in the available sources. His legacy includes strengthening ACORDJOC's representation of private operators and fostering a more collaborative relationship between the industry and regulators.