Spain’s DGOJ Initiates Debate on Unified Gambling Data Registry

The gambling sector in Spain is expected to feature one of the toughest regulations on the Old Continent. Changes to the industry’s regulatory framework have already been initiated and the overhaul of the market has already started.

Part of the changes within the gambling sector involves strict know-your-customer (KYC) rules and the establishment of a centralized registry that would hold gambling-related data supplied by all licensed providers of gambling services in the country.

Last year in March, under the Decree on Responsible Gambling Environments, the country’s General Assembly, approved the establishment of such a centralized registry. Now, the General Directorate of Gambling in Spain, also known as DGOJ, has announced the start of discussions about the establishment of the proposed centralized registry for data from gambling operators.

Ultimately, such a registry is expected to allow the gambling regulator to have an overview of the market, identify trends and potential issues or improvements that may be needed. The centralized registry is expected to play an important role in improving gambling regulations in the country.

A Robust Framework to Help Bolster Responsible Gambling
Besides the registry, DGOJ anticipates enforcing stringent KYC policies that all gambling regulators would have to follow. Those efforts are expected to prevent financial crimes such as money laundering, help protect people who may be suffering from problem gambling and prevent underage individuals from accessing gambling activities, among other risks that would be mitigated.

In addition to complying with the new KYC policies and submitting data for the centralized register, licensed gambling operators in Spain would be required to identify all of their customers under the age of 25 as “high risk.” Such clients would be subject to enhanced monitoring to prevent excessive gambling and harm.

“It will provide a robust framework for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of responsible gaming.“

Mikel Arana, director general at DGOJ
Mikel Arana, DGOJ’s director general, confirmed that the launch of the discussions about the new common data registry for gambling information comes after input from the country’s Sectorial Commission. “The establishment of a centralized data registry will enhance the transparency and accountability of gambling operations in Spain,” he explained.

Arana predicted that the new registry would enable effective monitoring. Finally, he spoke about the importance of the registry for gambling information that will strengthen the country’s efforts toward compliance with the highest standards for responsible gaming, ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.