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Gaming in Spain Conference 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Madrid’s Premier iGaming Event

By jili tutorial · September 15, 2026

Gaming in Spain Conference 2026: A Comprehensive Guide to Madrid’s Premier iGaming Event

Overview: What to Expect from the 2026 Conference

The Gaming in Spain Conference has unveiled its preliminary agenda for the 2026 edition, scheduled for Thursday, 15 October 2026, at Madrid’s Auditorio ECIJA. This one-day B2B event brings together regulators, licensed operators, suppliers, and law enforcement to address the most pressing issues facing Spain’s regulated online gambling market. With the introduction of a groundbreaking cross-operator deposit limit system, the conference arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. This guide expands on the original announcement, providing context, analysis, and practical insights for attendees.

The Central Theme: Cross-Operator Deposit Limits Take Centre Stage

What Are Cross-Operator Deposit Limits?

Spain’s regulated gambling market is about to undergo its most significant structural change in years. Royal Decree 520/2026, approved by the Council of Ministers on 23 June 2026 and published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado two days later, introduces a new Article 36 bis into Royal Decree 1614/2011. This creates a system of joint deposit limits per player that aggregates deposits across every licensed operator where a participant holds an account.

Key Details of the New System

Why This Matters

According to DGOJ data cited in the decree, approximately one-third of active online players hold accounts with more than one operator, and roughly 80% of accumulated losses sit with just 10% of users. The cross-operator limit is designed to prevent players from circumventing individual operator limits by spreading deposits across multiple platforms—a loophole that has long concerned regulators and player protection advocates.

Practical Implications for Operators

Agenda Breakdown: Seven Session Blocks in Detail

The conference programme is structured around seven main session blocks, each addressing a critical aspect of the Spanish iGaming landscape. Below, we explore each block with context and examples.

Block 1: Regulatory Developments

Focus: The latest regulatory changes, including the cross-operator deposit limit system and broader gambling law amendments.

Confirmed speakers:

Why it matters: This block sets the tone for the entire conference. With the new deposit limit system just weeks into its trial phase, operators will be eager to hear directly from the DGOJ on technical requirements, compliance expectations, and potential adjustments.

Block 2: Spanish Gambling and the Threat of the Black Market

Focus: The size, scope, and impact of unlicensed gambling in Spain, and strategies to combat it.

Confirmed speakers:

Context: The black market remains a persistent challenge for Spain’s regulated sector. Offshore operators often offer higher bonuses, fewer restrictions, and anonymous transactions via cryptocurrency. This session will provide data-driven insights into how much revenue is leaking to unlicensed sites and what regulators and operators can do to reverse the trend.

Block 3: Algorithms and Player Protection

Focus: Using technology to detect problem gambling behaviour and intervene early.

Confirmed speakers:

What to expect: This block will explore how AI and machine learning can identify at-risk players based on behavioural patterns—such as rapid deposit escalation, chasing losses, or unusual session times. Tools like BetBlocker (self-exclusion software) and Mindway AI (AI-driven harm detection) represent the cutting edge of player protection. Expect discussion on how these tools integrate with the new cross-operator limit system.

Block 4: iGaming Regulation and Licensed Operators

Focus: Industry perspectives on sustainable reform and the future of Spain’s regulated market.

Confirmed speaker:

Why it matters: Jdigital represents Spain’s licensed online gambling operators. Hinojosa’s session will likely address operator concerns about regulatory burden, the feasibility of the new deposit limits, and what “sustainable reform” means in practice—balancing player protection with a viable business environment.

Block 5: Fraud Prevention and AML

Focus: Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, counter-terrorism financing (CFT), and fraud detection.

Confirmed speakers:

Notable: The presence of Spain’s National Police on the agenda is unusual for a commercial iGaming conference. It signals a growing collaboration between law enforcement and the regulated industry to combat financial crime. Expect discussions on real-world fraud cases, typologies, and best practices for reporting suspicious transactions.

Block 6: New Products and Tech Solutions

Focus: Emerging gambling formats, AI-powered gaming, and compliant payment solutions.

Confirmed speakers:

What’s new in 2026: This block covers prediction betting and sweepstakes—products that are currently in a regulatory grey area. As the Spanish market evolves, these formats may become explicitly permitted or prohibited. The session will also showcase AI-driven live casino games and how payment providers are adapting to stricter AML requirements.

Block 7: LatAm Update

Focus: Developments in Latin American markets, which are increasingly interconnected with Spanish operators.

Confirmed speaker: To be announced (TBA)

Context: Many Spanish-licensed operators also serve Latin American markets, where regulation is rapidly evolving in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. This session will cover cross-border challenges, regulatory harmonisation, and market entry strategies.

Breakout Sessions and Additional Topics

Alongside the main programme, organisers have announced a breakout session on promotional strategies in Spain led by Mario Chamorro of MDF Partners. Further breakouts are expected to be announced closer to the event.

The conference’s stated topic list also includes:

Why This Conference Matters: Key Takeaways

The Timing is Critical

The conference falls just three weeks after the DGOJ makes its test version of the cross-operator deposit limit system available to operators. This means attendees will be among the first to hear feedback from early testers, identify potential issues, and prepare for the March 2027 go-live date.

A Unique Collaboration with Law Enforcement

The inclusion of Chief Inspector David Calvete Sarasa from the National Police underscores the increasing convergence of gambling regulation and broader crime prevention. For operators, this is a chance to build direct relationships with law enforcement and understand how fraud and money laundering investigations intersect with their compliance obligations.

A Platform for Sustainability

As Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Spain, stated: “I am extremely happy that we managed to bring together so many key stakeholders, representing the regulator, licensed operators, suppliers, and even Spain’s National Police. I think this is representative of what Gaming in Spain and, more broadly, Gaming in Europe are trying to achieve, which is facilitating the kind of discussions that help foster long-term sustainability for regulated gambling.”

Practical Information for Attendees

Who Should Attend?

This conference is designed for:

About Gaming in Spain

Gaming in Spain is a B2B community and annual conference for professionals working in Spain’s regulated online gambling market and its associated service providers. It is part of the Gaming in Europe network, founded by Willem van Oort—a Barcelona-based independent consultant who also created Gaming in Holland and Gaming in Germany. The network focuses on fostering dialogue between regulators, operators, and suppliers to promote a sustainable, well-regulated gambling industry across Europe.

Final Thoughts: A Landmark Year for Spanish iGaming

The 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference arrives at a transformative moment. The cross-operator deposit limit system represents a bold step in player protection, but its success depends on smooth implementation, operator cooperation, and ongoing dialogue between all stakeholders. With a packed agenda covering regulatory updates, black market threats, fraud prevention, AI-driven player protection, and emerging products, this conference is an essential event for anyone involved in Spain’s regulated gambling market.

Whether you are an operator preparing for the March 2027 deadline, a supplier developing compliance tools, or a legal expert tracking regulatory shifts, the insights gained in Madrid on 15 October 2026 will be invaluable.