Online gambling is now legal in Spain

The Congress in Spain has now approved a new gambling law that  regulates for the first time the Internet and mobile gambling, however with a series of measures to protect the consumers, especially the under-aged and those who are problem gamblers. It is reported that the operators will not be allowed to offer any loan or other kinds of  financial assistance to people wanting to gambler. It is not clear to me if that implies that online casinos will not be allowed to offer any kind of promotion.

The European Remote Gambling Association (RGA), while welcoming the passage of the gambling bill, has criticized that online gambling operators who are already licensed in another European country will also require an additional Spanish license. A further point of criticism is the high taxation, 25% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).

Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive of the RGA, said: "We appreciate the fact that, unlike some other European countries, Spain has not adopted legislation in blatant breach of EU law. We believe that this legislation is a step in the right direction but it’s still too early to make an assessment. We hope that, through the implementing decrees, the Spanish Government won’t miss the opportunity to create a valid model in Europe".