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Gaming in Spain Conference 2026: Comprehensive Agenda and Insights

By jili tutorial · September 16, 2026

Gaming in Spain Conference 2026: Comprehensive Agenda and Insights

Overview: A Must-Attend Event for the Spanish Gambling Sector

The 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2026, at the Auditorio ECIJA in the heart of lively Madrid, promises to be a pivotal gathering for stakeholders across the regulated gambling landscape in Spain. With far-reaching regulatory innovations on the horizon—including a central problem gambling detection algorithm and cross-operator deposit limits—this conference offers an unmatched blend of timely topics, influential speakers, and forward-looking thought leadership.

Whether you represent a licensed operator, a supplier, a legal firm, or a regulatory body, the event is designed to facilitate the kind of cooperative dialogue needed to address the growing threat of unlicensed, offshore competition while fostering long-term sustainability for regulated gambling. As Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Spain, put it:

“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. All this, of course, against the backdrop of the growing threat of unprotected gambling due to unfair, unlicensed, and offshore competition. Reclaiming the market requires both cooperation and shared knowledge.”

This guide expands on the original agenda, adding context, examples, and practical insights to help you prepare for and make the most of the conference.

Why This Conference Matters Now

Regulatory Shifts Reshaping Spanish Gambling

Spain’s gambling regulator, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), has been actively implementing new measures to strengthen player protection and combat the black market. Key developments include:

These innovations are not just technical—they represent a fundamental shift in how Spain approaches gambling regulation, moving from operator-level controls to a centralized, cooperative model.

The Persistent Threat of Unlicensed Offerings

Illegal offshore operators continue to siphon revenue from the regulated market, often with fewer player protections and no tax contributions. A dedicated theme of the conference, #ReclaimTheMarket, focuses on strategies to counter these offerings, including advertising bans, blocking unlicensed sites, and improving the player experience in the regulated space.

Detailed Agenda Breakdown

The conference is structured into seven main blocks, each addressing a critical aspect of the Spanish gambling ecosystem, plus breakout sessions for deeper dives.

Block 1: Regulatory Developments

This opening block sets the stage with high-level updates from the DGOJ and legal experts.

Keynote: Mikel Arana, Director General, DGOJ

Mikel Arana will deliver the keynote address, offering a firsthand look at the regulator’s priorities for 2026 and beyond. Expect insight into upcoming rule changes, enforcement strategies, and the philosophy behind Spain’s approach to safe gambling.

Regulatory Update & Analysis: Xavi Munoz Bellvehí, Managing Partner, ECIJA Barcelona

Xavi Munoz Bellvehí will break down the latest regulatory developments and their practical implications for operators. This session is essential for compliance officers and legal teams navigating Spain’s evolving legal landscape.

Implementing Cross-Operator Deposit Limits: Justo Sancho (DGOJ), Sander Hoogendoorn (Chevron Group), moderated by Camille Gonzálvez (ECIJA)

A panel discussion on the technical and operational challenges of implementing cross-operator deposit limits. Justo Sancho, Director of Safe Gambling at the DGOJ, will explain the regulator’s vision, while Sander Hoogendoorn of Chevron Group will provide consultancy insights on system integration. Camille Gonzálvez moderates.

Context: Cross-operator deposit limits require a central database where each player’s total deposits across all licensed sites are tracked. Operators must update their systems in real time or near-real time to respect the cap. Similar systems exist in the UK (GAMSTOP) but Spain’s approach is more integrated with the regulatory framework.

Melilla & Regulated Gambling in Spain: Patricia Lalanda, Partner, LOYRA Abogados

Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa, has its own regulatory nuances. Patricia Lalanda will discuss how gambling operators can leverage opportunities in Melilla while remaining compliant with national laws.

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

This block provides data-driven insights into market dynamics and the competition from offshore operators.

The Spanish iGaming Market in Numbers: Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital

Josh Hodgson will present the latest market data, including gross gaming revenue, player demographics, and market share splits between online and land-based, as well as regulated versus unlicensed channels.

Game Popularity: Onshore and Offshore Offerings Compared: Dmitry Belianin, Co-Founder, Blask Business Intelligence

Using Blask’s analytics, Dmitry Belianin will compare which game types (slots, sports betting, live casino, etc.) are most popular on regulated sites versus unlicensed rivals. This data helps operators understand why players migrate to the black market.

Against Illegal Gambling Advertising: Taking the Fight to Big Tech: Björn Fuchs, Chair, VNLOK

Björn Fuchs will discuss initiatives to pressure tech giants like Google, Meta, and Twitter to remove illegal gambling ads targeting Spanish consumers. VNLOK (the Dutch online gambling association) has experience in this area, and their tactics can be adapted to Spain.

Crypto vs. Regulated: Who Is Winning the Player Experience?: Mauro De Fabritiis, Founder, MDF Partners

A comparison of the user experience offered by crypto-based gambling sites (often unlicensed) versus regulated Spanish operators. Mauro De Fabritiis will highlight what regulated sites can learn from crypto platforms in terms of speed, anonymity, and rewards—while maintaining compliance.

Block 3: Algorithms and Player Protection in the Spanish Market

A focused session on the technology behind safer gambling.

Problem Gambling Detection Algorithms & Player Protection: Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker; Paula Murphy, Head of Commercial, Mindway AI

This session will explore how AI and machine learning can detect early signs of gambling harm. Mindway AI specializes in such algorithms, while BetBlocker provides blocking tools. Expect a discussion on how these technologies can be integrated with the DGOJ’s central algorithm.

Block 4: iGaming Regulation & Licensed Operators

The industry’s perspective on sustainable reform.

The Industry’s Perspective on Sustainable Gambling Reform: Jorge Hinojosa, Director General, Jdigital

Jorge Hinojosa, representing Jdigital (the Spanish online gambling industry association), will outline how operators view the proposed reforms. He is likely to address compliance costs, competitive fairness, and the need for a level playing field between licensed and unlicensed operators.

Block 5: Fraud Prevention & AML

A critical block for compliance and security teams.

Fraud Prevention in Regulated Gambling: David Calvete Sarasa, Chief Inspector, National Police

David Calvete Sarasa will share real-world cases of fraud in the gambling sector and how law enforcement collaborates with operators to detect and prevent criminal activity.

The Practical Impact of the EU’s New AML/CFT Regulation: Pedro López Martín-Andino, Managing Partner at MartínAndino Abogados; Jochen Biewer, Managing Director, Chevron Group

The EU’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regulation will have significant implications for Spanish gambling operators. This session will break down the key requirements—such as customer due diligence, transaction monitoring, and reporting obligations—and offer practical compliance advice.

Block 6: New Products & Tech Solutions for the Spanish Market

Innovation and emerging formats take center stage.

AI-Powered “Live” Casino for the Spanish Market: Gustaf Hagman & Jonas Delin, Co-Founders, Avanti Studios

Avanti Studios will demonstrate how AI can enhance live dealer games, creating personalised, dynamic experiences while ensuring fairness and security.

Emerging Gambling and Betting Formats: Camille Gonzálvez, TMT & iGaming Lawyer, ECIJA

Camille Gonzálvez will provide a legal perspective on new formats like prediction betting, sweepstakes, and skill-based games. What is currently permissible in Spain? What changes might be coming?

AI and Effective Affiliate Marketing: Andreas Ditsche, CEO, iGaming.com

Affiliate marketing remains a key acquisition channel. Andreas Ditsche will discuss how AI can optimise campaigns, target responsible players, and ensure compliance with Spain’s strict advertising rules.

iGaming & Compliant Payment Solutions: Juan Jose Llorente, Country Manager Spain & Portugal, Adyen

Payment processing is a major hurdle for operators. Juan Jose Llorente will cover how Adyen’s solutions enable fast, secure, and compliant transactions, including handling deposits, withdrawals, and fraud checks.

Block 7: LatAm Update

Expanding the horizon to promising Latin American markets.

The State of Play in Promising LatAm Markets: Speaker TBA

While the speaker is yet to be announced, this session will cover regulatory developments in key LatAm jurisdictions (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Argentina) and how Spanish operators can explore cross-border opportunities.

Breakout Sessions

In addition to the main blocks, the conference offers interactive breakout sessions.

Promotions in Spain: Who Leads, Who Lags, and What Works: Mario Chamorro, Partner, MDF Partners

A data-driven look at promotional strategies used by Spanish operators—free bets, cashback, loyalty programmes—and their effectiveness in attracting and retaining players. This session will include benchmarks and best practices.

Other Sessions: TBA

Further breakout sessions will be announced closer to the event. Check the official website for updates.

Practical Information

Date & Location

Registration

Registration for the 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference is now open. To secure your place, click here to register (replace with actual link). Early bird discounts may be available.

Who Should Attend?

Closing Thoughts

The 2026 Gaming in Spain Conference is more than just an industry gathering—it’s a forum for shaping the future of regulated gambling in Spain. With the DGOJ pushing forward ambitious reforms and the black market continuing to evolve, collaboration between all stakeholders is essential. By attending, you will gain actionable insights, network with key decision-makers, and contribute to the conversations that will define the sector for years to come.

Note: All speaker line-ups and topics are confirmed as of the publication date, but may be subject to minor changes. Stay tuned for further updates from the organisers.