La Rioja mandates biometric controls in all casinos
The Government of La Rioja has taken a decisive step in sector regulation by announcing the mandatory implementation of biometric control systems at the entrances of all gaming and betting establishments in the autonomous community. This measure, which has already been officially published in the Official Gazette of La Rioja, aims primarily to safeguard the security of minors and offer effective protection to the most vulnerable groups against the risks of gambling. Sector operators will have a maximum of one year to integrate this technology into their current facilities.
This technological initiative seeks to verify user identity through unique physical traits, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, ensuring that no one prohibited from entering can bypass manual controls. Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General of Taxes, and Concha Santo Tomás, Vice President of the Riojan Association of Gamblers (ARJA), presented this system as a tool of public interest that prioritizes citizens' health above commercial activity.
A comprehensive system connected to self-exclusion registries
La Rioja's new regulation affects all land-based and digital offerings under its direct jurisdiction. Biometric control will be mandatory in the four bingo halls, 36 gaming arcades, and seven betting shops operating in the region, in addition to extending to the two online gaming platforms authorized by the Autonomous Community.
One of the most significant advantages of this system is its direct and real-time connection with the Self-Exclusion Registry. This means that, the moment a self-excluded person or someone with a current administrative prohibition attempts to access an establishment, the system will immediately block their entry. Likewise, biometrics will act as a powerful anti-fraud mechanism, neutralizing attempts at identity theft or the use of third-party identity documents, a practice often used by minors to enter these venues.
Privacy guarantees and protection of sensitive data
Given concerns about the processing of such sensitive personal information, the Government of La Rioja has established advanced and strict security protocols. Garrido emphasized that the measure is guaranteeing and effective, with mandatory impact assessments to ensure that personal data is handled under the highest legal standards.
- The system explicitly prohibits the storage of any data belonging to minors.
- Collected biometric information will have a limited retention period of a maximum of six months.
- Technical security measures will be implemented to prevent leaks or misuse of the database.
Criticism of the effectiveness of traditional responsible gambling
From the perspective of player support associations, this measure represents an endorsement of the conscious decisions of those who have decided to stay away from gambling. Concha Santo Tomás noted that this biometric control provides real security to people seeking to quit gambling, preventing a relapse due to lack of supervision at the entrance of establishments.
However, Santo Tomás was emphatic in questioning current sector policies, suggesting that the concept of responsible gambling is insufficient to address the root of the problem.
Responsible gambling is a sham because it places the entire burden of responsibility on the player, when the reality is that the product itself is designed to be increasingly addictive and operates with deceptive mechanisms.
With this regulatory change, La Rioja positions itself as one of the communities with the strictest access controls in Spain, seeking to balance economic activity with the prevention of problem gambling and the absolute protection of children.
Tags: Spain, Spanish casinos, casinos in La Rioja, biometric control in Spanish casinos, biometric control in casinos in La Rioja