Spain’s government approved a royal decree on 23 June 2026 introducing joint deposit limits for all licensed online gambling operators. The measure replaces individual platform caps with a unified system to regulate player spending across the market.
Regulatory Framework and Industry Response
The new limits cap deposits at €700 daily, €1,750 weekly, and €3,300 every four weeks. Previously, players could exceed single-operator thresholds by distributing funds across multiple platforms. Jdigital, the trade association representing licensed online operators, stated the reform raises "concern" regarding market concentration. The group cited Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling data showing approximately 80% of users engage with only one platform. The association noted the unified caps may shift activity toward larger companies and reduce market competitiveness.Technical Requirements and Market Leakage
Implementing the system requires a centralized, real-time infrastructure capable of tracking deposit activity across all licensed providers simultaneously. Jdigital highlighted the operational and technological costs for both regulators and companies, requesting a phased rollout timeline and warning that initial system failures should not trigger penalties. The trade body also referenced an EY report indicating roughly 25% of players currently use unlicensed services. Drawing on recent Dutch market data where stricter controls lowered channelisation rates, Jdigital cautioned that additional restrictions could increase unregulated market participation and weaken consumer protection outcomes.Industry representatives expect the new framework to initiate further discussions with regulatory authorities regarding implementation details.