Gaming faces further restrictions in Madrid

Gaming in Madrid is limited for a year in which no new licences will be issued, and local authorities continue to reinforce the decision.

Spain.- The industry’s expansion in Spain has generated a wave of restrictions in different communities. Therefore, certain restrictions and impediments were established for the development of the sector there.

Despite some criticism, the limits to the gaming industry will be in effect in Madrid (and other regions) for one year. Therefore, the authorities have backed the recent decision and other municipalities want to join.

After Madrid approved the restrictions, many municipalities jumped in the bandwagon. Getafe, Fuenlabrada and Alcorcón, for example, limited gaming and its expansion, although others could join.

In Humanes de Madrid, south of the capital, they are pushing for similar measures. However, according to the Executive Power, the City Council does not have competences in this matter.

CEJUEGO’s support

Despite the overall criticism, Spanish private gaming body CEJUEGO supported the measure.

They assured that the decision is “prudent and accurate.” As they explained, they had “requested planned measures for sustainable and orderly development in the segment.” Therefore, they consider that the government’s position is positive.

Statements

Alejandro Landaluce, General Director of CEJUEGO, said: “We have been working with the government for years. Both with the authorities that regulate gaming in Madrid and in other autonomous communities. We’ve requested planned measures for the gaming sector. That, because they are a guarantee for the sustainable development of the economy. For this reason, and while we wait for the development of new regulations, we see prudent and advisable to temporarily suspend the granting of new licences until then. We are pleased to see the government taking a step towards regulating gaming in the region; in most of the communities that already exists.”