Operator News

Spain – New gaming rules to bring long term stability to Balearic gaming

By Phil - 17 February 2020

Government Minister Juan Pedro Yllanes has stated that the purpose of the suspension of the opening of new gambling establishments in the region over the next two years is to bring order and more stability for the gaming sector.

Speaking at the Economic Commission of the Parliament, Yllanes explained that although this will be a long process in which all stakeholders will be given a voice, the government has already set down a number of objectives.

New licenses will be paced at the same rate as other licences are revoked. The government will also look into increasing the minimum distances between gaming establishments and schools, health centres or other places frequented by minors. Collaboration with the sports community will also be encouraged in order to restrict the advertising of betting on sports activities and events. In addition, the government will oversee public awareness campaigns highlighting the risk of the dangers of gambling.

The minister also explained that some measures have already been put in place such as the creation of a new online oversight body, which recently presented a study on the incidence of advertising in sports betting.

In January the government of the Balearic Islands approved the suspension of the granting of any new authorisations for the opening of gambling halls for two years. The two year period will give the government time to decide on new rules when it comes to where any new facilities can be built and the future of the industry in general.

The measure was put forward by Vice President of the left-wing electoral alliance Unidas Podemos, Juan Pedro Yllanes. According to an Executive press release at the time, “it is a provisional, preventive and temporary measure.” The agreement was necessary for “reasons of general interest of public order, public health, security and the protection of the rights of the users of games,” The agreement also includes a future study into the industry as well as other actions necessary to process the future decree concerning the planning permission of gaming establishments. Approving this planning is the responsibility of the Governing Council, “taking into account the reality and social impact of gambling and betting, it’s economic and tax implications, and the need to diversify gaming.”

The Balearic Islands receives about 34 million Euros each year from gambling that takes place in the three casinos, four bingo halls and 4,000 slot machines on the Islands.