Madrid targets gaming halls

The Government of Madrid targeted gaming and would temporarily suspend issuing new licences for gambling rooms as it works in a change of regulations.

Spain.- There is a trend against the industry in Spain and several jurisdictions have jumped on the bandwagon. After clampdowns in Barcelona and Navarra, Madrid also targeted gaming.

The Government will urgently process a decree to temporarily suspend the issuance of new licences. According to the president of the Autonomous Community, it would last until they approve a new regulation. Therefore, once Madrid passed the planning decree for gaming, it would resume considering new permits.

“We are a liberal government, in favour of free competition. We want to allow this regulated activity, which creates many jobs. However, only with balanced planning and a public health program,” she said.

Recent protests in Madrid

Gambling remains a hot debate topic in Spain despite its success and contributions to state coffers. That’s why over 1,500 people recently took to the streets on major protests against gambling halls in Madrid. They mainly asked the government to close them.

“We were watching La Sexta at home and there were 10 sports betting ads in seven minutes of advertising. Journalists, artists and footballers appear on them. There are more problem gamblers than people think,” news outlet El País quoted a protester.

The protest was called by the Platform against gambling halls in Madrid. It gathers 168 groups in the capital and the Autonomous Community.

There are 385 gambling halls in Madrid and the Spanish Association of Gambling Halls highlighted its investment possibilities.

“The gambling industry doesn’t seek an unfair profit,” the gambling segment assured. “Neither to take advantage of the unprotected or the youth,” they added.