Spain moves closer to online slots launch
Spain notifies European Commission of its draft decrees on slots and exchange betting with 10-20 new operators expected to apply for licence
Spanish regulator the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has notified the European Commission (EC) of its draft decrees on slots and exchange betting as it remains on course for an anticipated Q4 launch.
The EC is expected to validate the decrees within a three-month period, although this could be extended should it receive any objections from other member states, which at present seems unlikely.
The process should be completed by 19 June which will allow the Spanish regulator to approve the new regulations in a matter of weeks.
However, operators are not expected to go live with the new products until later in the year, with the DGOJ first to re-open the licencing window so operators can apply for the relevant licences and prepare their offers.
This reopening of the window will be the first opportunity for those not licensed in the country to apply for a permit since the opening of the regulated market in June 2012.
According to DLA Piper partner and gaming lawyer Albert Agustinoy Guilayn, the market could expect to see anywhere between 10 and 20 new entrants following the licensing process.
It is hoped that the addition of online slots will provide a boost to Spain’s flagging online gaming market which saw gross gaming revenue (GGR) contract by 20% to 51.6m over the course of the first three quarters of 2013.
Earlier this month the Spanish government invited stakeholders to comment on the country’s proposed online slots and exchange legislation, with the two-week period now coming to an end.
European countries must inform the EC and other member states of all the draft technical regulations concerning products and information society services before they are adopted in national law.