Spanish Online Licenses up for grabs

For two years now the Spanish Government has been studying how they can regulate and license online gambling sites and at the same time comply with EU regulations. Two working groups comprising industry representatives and government are to come up with a strategy to introduce and control this $50 million plus industry. Both Bwin and William Hill are believed to be at the front of the race and may have already started negotiations about a license. Licenses should run for 5 years and with good behaviour for a further 5 years after that. Good behaviour in this context will mean meeting regulations to protect against underage gambling as well as meeting certain conditions to fight against addiction. It is anticipated that all major online operators will apply for licenses as happened in Italy when they regulated the industry.

Regulation will of course provide a good source of income for the government but at the same time should drive away the smaller less trusted sites as they fail to get a license. It is certainly an interesting time for Spain and to clarify the situation a conference has been organised called iGB Espana which is to be held in Madrid in October this year. It is hoped that the conference will explain the operational requirements for a license as well as identify business partners.