Jdigital reaffirms commitment to Spanish regulator, seeks dialogue
The approval of the Customer Service Law by Congress, currently under review in the Senate, has reopened the debate on the regulatory evolution of the gaming sector in Spain.
The law incorporates significant changes, such as the prohibition of welcome bonuses, the inclusion of the influencer figure in the gaming field, the obligation to verify accounts with at least 30 days of seniority before accessing promotions, and the limitation of payments to nominative means. Additionally, it foresees the creation of a registry of technical providers to strengthen control over the services collaborating with authorized operators.
In this scenario, Jdigital considers it essential that the implementation of these measures be carried out “in a coordinated manner and with a comprehensive vision.”
“We are the ones who apply the regulations and who know their real impact in practice. Cooperation between regulator and operators is essential for the rules to fulfill their purpose without affecting the sector’s sustainability,” stated Jorge Hinojosa, general director of Jdigital.
Joint Limits System and risk algorithm: progress and concerns
The DGOJ is advancing in the implementation of the Joint Deposit Limits System, a measure aimed at controlling the total spending of players across all licensed platforms. For its development, the agency has tendered technical assistance worth more than 227,000 euros.
From Jdigital, while the validity of the system is recognized, warnings are issued about the technical and interpretive challenges it poses.
“We do not question the measure, but it must be applied cautiously. It involves a profound technological transformation and requires clarity in operational criteria,” explained Hinojosa.
Another major ongoing development is the risk detection algorithm, also promoted by the DGOJ. This system will classify players according to 62 behavioral variables in order to identify problematic gambling patterns.
“We positively value the initiative, but we would have liked to participate more actively in its design. The variables are complex and could generate ambiguities in interpretation, affecting both user protection and market stability,” noted the Jdigital representative.
The entry into force of the algorithm will require significant technological adjustments and adaptation of each operator’s internal processes.
“We are facing a structural change. Each operator starts from a different reality, and the system must recognize those differences to be truly effective,” added Hinojosa.
Competitiveness and fight against illegal gambling
One of the points that most concerns operators is the growth of unauthorized gambling, a phenomenon that has accelerated in recent years.
“Illegal gambling is growing, and to combat it, it is not enough to prohibit or restrict. The regulated market must be strengthened, made more attractive and competitive,” warned the director of Jdigital.
According to the association, balanced regulation that combines consumer protection, technological innovation, and transparency will be key to preventing players from migrating to unlicensed sites.
“We need proportional and evidence-based rules, not based on perceptions. Otherwise, there is a risk of weakening the regulated market,” emphasized Hinojosa.
Institutional collaboration and vision for the future
Regarding Jdigital’s absence as a speaker at the recent I International Gaming Congress, held in Madrid under the motto “The social impact of gaming”, Hinojosa clarified that the association attended as a listener to closely follow regulatory priorities.
“Although we did not formally participate in the presentations, we consider it essential to stay informed about the initiatives of the DGOJ and the Ministry of Social Rights and Consumption, which will shape the future of the sector,” he stated.
The association, which groups the main licensed online gaming brands in Spain, insists that continuous dialogue with the regulator is the best way to strengthen user protection without hindering the development of an industry that generates more than 85,000 direct and indirect jobs and billions in tax contributions and sports sponsorships.
Tags: Spain, iGaming Spain, JDigital, Customer Service Provision Act, Joint Deposit Limits System