The Council of Ministers of Spain has taken a significant step in its commitment to stringent regulatory oversight of the gambling sector. Andrés Barragán Urbiola has been appointed as Secretary General of Consumption and Gaming, tasked with overseeing Spain’s ongoing federal overhaul of gambling laws. This directive, led by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aims to strengthen the regulation and safety of Spain’s gambling industry.
A History of Reforms
Under the leadership of Alberto Garzon, Spain has undergone a comprehensive reorganization of its gambling laws since 2020. The focus has been on developing unified standards and centralized controls for both online and land-based gambling.
- Royal Decree on Gambling Advertising: This reshaped Spain’s gambling landscape by banning betting sponsorships and restricting gambling advertisements to late-night hours.
- Royal Decree on Responsible Gaming Environments: Introduced in 2023, this decree prepared the Spanish gambling industry for additional changes. It includes a centralized player registry and mandatory documentation of risk profiles for younger consumers, particularly those under 25.
Strategic Appointment
Andrés Barragán Urbiola’s appointment as Secretary General of Consumption and Gaming is a strategic move by Spain’s government. His strong background in economic policy and financial analysis, coupled with experience at the Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Business, makes him well-suited to navigate the complexities of gambling reform. During the pandemic, Urbiola played a pivotal role in designing support measures for companies and planning Spain’s Transformation and Resilience Recovery Plan.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
As Secretary General, Urbiola’s primary focus will be on implementing and enhancing the measures laid out in recent decrees. By 2024, Spanish gambling operators are expected to comply with some of the strictest regulations in Europe. This includes strict adherence to advertising restrictions and robust mechanisms to protect younger and vulnerable consumers from gambling-related harms.
The appointment underscores Spain’s commitment to fostering a safer gambling environment and addressing gambling addiction challenges. It aligns with the new Action Plan on Addictions for 2025-2028, led by Minister Pablo Bustinduy.
