PRESS RELEASE
12th May 2011
RGA welcomes adoption of Spanish online gambling bill
The RGA welcomes today’s adoption of a new legal framework for online gambling in
Spain. The text adopted by the Spanish Parliament sets up a multiple licensing regime.
While not perfect, if properly implemented it could pave the way for a viable system
where consumers could choose from reputable operators.
The free provision of services, which is one the cornerstones of the EU internal market,
enables operators legally established in one Member State to offer their products across the
EU. The legislation adopted today restricts that freedom as it requires online gambling
operators already licensed in other jurisdictions to obtain an additional licence in Spain.
However, this law, which only lays down a general framework, seems to reflect a genuine
wish to establish a viable market where consumers are adequately protected and respectable
operators can compete on an equal footing.
Unfortunately, certain elements of the adopted legislation will hinder the competiveness of
the licensing system, such as taxation, which is still too high when compared to other
European countries. There is also legal uncertainty as regards the transitional period that goes
from the enactment of the bill until the grant of the first licences. The RGA is also concerned
about the possible introduction in the future of a sui generis right for the already very-well
funded sporting world.
Some of the most important commercial issues that will determine whether the Spanish
system is viable will be left to implementing decrees, including the exact scope of the
opening and the possibility for the newly-created National Gambling Commission to restrict
the number of licences.
The Remote Gambling Association Ltd, 6th Floor, High Holborn House, 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RL
Brussels Office, Chaussée de Wavre 214d, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
tel: +32(0)2 626 9572 www.rga.eu.com
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”.
- Ends –
The RGA represents the world’s largest licensed, and stock market-listed remote gambling
companies. It provides the industry with a single voice on all issues of importance to
regulators, legislators, and key decision makers around the world.
For more information, contact:
Manuel Espárrago, Spokesperson for Spain
+32 (0)2 626 95 72
[email protected]
Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive
+44 (0)20 7831 2195
[email protected]
The Remote Gambling Association Ltd, 6th Floor, High Holborn House, 52-54 High Holborn, London WC1V 6RL
Brussels Office, Chaussée de Wavre 214d, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
tel: +32(0)2 626 9572 www.rga.eu.com