Gaming in Spain Conference – Perspectives in the Spanish gaming market

Madrid – The renowned “Gaming in Spain Conference” took place in the Spanish capital on Thursday, once again excellently organized by Willem van Oort and his team. With a clearly focused program and a series of high-profile presentations, the event offers in-depth insights into developments in the Spanish and South American gaming market.

New regulations: balance between protection and innovation

At the center of the discussion are the planned Markers of Harm, expected to be implemented by March 2026. These new metrics are intended to tighten monitoring in player protection and pave the way for a more reliable limitation of anonymous payment flows. At the same time, the requirements for limiting stakes will be clarified, while the advertising guidelines will be further formulated and implemented more consistently. There is agreement that regulation must be proportionate: The industry in Spain, especially the heavily land-based market with its cash-based economy, should not be slowed down by the new requirements, but rather be specifically developed further in the direction of gaming and youth protection.

Casino growth driver – betting as a constant

The expectations for the coming years are clear: the casino business is considered the driving force for growth in the Spanish gaming and gambling market, while sports betting continues to play a central role.

International providers dominate the market. However, it is striking that local providers are currently experiencing the highest growth rates. Increasing competition is forcing all market participants to optimize their strategies based on data in order to position themselves distinctively and competitively in the long term.

Risks and opportunities under new regulation

Another topic discussed during the conference is the risk of new regulatory restrictions: Overly strict restrictions could slow organic growth and, in particular, encourage the migration of players to unregulated markets beyond government control. The industry is therefore pinning its hopes on precise, targeted regulation that focuses on key problem areas related to gaming and youth protection.

International Outlook: Focus on South America

In addition to analyzing developments in Spain, the agenda also examines dynamics on the South American continent—particularly the emerging Brazilian gaming market. Developments in Latin America will be discussed in depth to derive insights for regulation and market strategies in Europe.

Conclusion: The Gaming in Spain Conference 2025 provides a high-caliber framework for discussing upcoming regulatory milestones and future market opportunities. It became clear that a balanced approach, with a focus on player protection, market growth, and fair competition, is crucial to maintaining Spain’s strong position globally.