Spain's New Gaming Regulation: What Poker Players Need to Know

The Spanish government has approved a new regulation for commercial communications in gaming activities, aiming to protect consumers and promote responsible gaming. The regulation, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), comes nearly a decade after the approval of the 13/2011 Gaming Regulation Law.

The new regulation prohibits advertising in media, social networks, video platforms, and information society in general, except between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. It also allows commercial communications on gaming websites and information platforms, provided they have mechanisms to prevent underage access and promote safe gaming.

For poker players, the regulation prohibits promotions aimed at attracting new clients, effectively ending welcome bonuses as of May 1, 2021. Existing users who have verified their accounts and opened them at least 30 days before will still be eligible for promotions.