Spain pushes for more player protection rules

A new draft Royal Decree will propose standards for intervention and control to safeguard igaming customers.

Spain.- The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is to open a public consultation on a draft Royal Decree that proposes new player protection rules for the online gaming market.

The draft decree sets out standards for intervention, control, prevention, raising awareness and treatment of problem gambling.

Minister Alberto Garzón said the rules would make the country’s igaming market safer, particularly for young people. Input on the legislation has been received from Spain’s Responsible Gambling Advisory Council.

Operators would need to collect player data to monitor for at-risk behaviour. They would also need to share more information with customers.

Garzón said the ministry’s vision required “the collaboration of all stakeholders”.

It’s the latest proposal to increase restrictions over the gaming industry. Spain recently implemented a previous Royal Decree bringing in new controls on gaming advertising, including a ban on football sponsorships.

The industry association Cejuego has reported that Spanish gaming revenue for the first 10 months of the year was down by 57 per cent year-on-year.