Spain will update gambling laws

Spain is to amend its gambling laws following a decision by the country’s Senate.

The current law dates back to 2011, but now the country wants to step up control on betting fraud and sports bribery, at the same time updating its player protection regulations.

The main new proposal is to give the DGOJ, the regulator, the power to run a Global Betting Market Research Service, a database of people who have been convicted of offences relating to betting and gambling. It will also carry details of everyone involved in fighting sports fraud and manipulation, including the police, sports organisations, the police, professional leagues and local regulators.

Another proposal is to restrict advertising and encourage self-exclusion by problem gamblers. Players will have to set session times when they gamble and also pre-determine the amount that they plan to spend.