In the first half of 2024, Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs issued fines totaling €65.3 million to 15 online gambling operators for serious and very serious infractions under the country’s Gambling Regulation Law (LRJ). The sanctions, announced on 18 November, highlight the government’s efforts to regulate the sector and address illegal activities.
Thirteen operators were penalized €5 million each for operating without licenses, with violations categorized as “very serious.” These companies—Interactive Pro, Stars Cream, Loveca Sino, Rougeca Sino, Mountberg, Alimanieri, Goldenpharaoh, Goldenlion, Golden Genie, Bigwins Games Tech, Games & More, Gladiator Holding, and R. Bostock Enterprises—were also barred from applying for licenses for two years.
“These resolutions account for the majority of the [fines]
claimed by the ministry and have also led to the disqualification of the operators for a period of two years,” the ministry noted.
Since 2018, Spain has shuttered over 2,600 illegal gambling websites and issued fines amounting to nearly €400 million.
Licensed Operators Also Face Sanctions
While unlicensed operators dominated the fines, two licensed companies – Codere and Electraworks—were penalized for “serious” infractions. Codere received a €162,500 fine after a Facebook ad was flagged by the Directorate-General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) for potentially appealing to minors. Electraworks was fined €225,000 for repeatedly failing to meet deadlines for submitting technical compliance reports in 2023, accruing delays of over 1,600 days.
Spain introduced strict gambling advertising restrictions in 2020 to protect minors, banning sponsorships and limiting ad visibility. Although some of these measures were eased in 2023, regulations prohibiting ads appealing to vulnerable groups remain firmly in place.
Broader Implications for the Sector
The fines underscore Spain’s commitment to regulating its gambling sector, which encompasses sports betting, online casinos, and lotteries. These enforcement actions aim to ensure compliance with licensing rules, promote responsible gambling, and prevent exploitation of vulnerable players.
The ministry has been publishing sanctions since 2021, following a legal amendment to increase transparency. Since then, a total of 154 sanctions have been issued, with fines surpassing €398 million.
Spain’s gambling sector continues to grapple with challenges such as money laundering risks and rising concerns over gambling addiction. While digital platforms have driven growth, they have also necessitated heightened regulatory oversight.
Source:
“Consumo sanciona a 15 operadores de juego por infracciones graves o muy graves en el primer semestre de 2024 por importe de más de 65 millones“, dsca.gob.es.