Valencia aims at gaming halls

In Valencia, gaming halls’ expansion has caught the government’s attention as it assesses a ban similar to Barcelona’s.

Spain.- The industry has been under siege in Spain for some months and in several autonomous communities. For that matter, Barcelona banned new gaming rooms in the city.

Following what happened in Catalonia, Valencia now analyses acting against gaming as well. That’s why lawmakers want to limit the rooms to no less than 700 meters from any educational centre. That proposal failed originally, but the authorities are trying to push again for a similar measure.

As if that were not enough, it not only includes the limits, but it could also be a more restrictive legislation than the previous one. That way, the industry needs to be on alert about what’s coming in Spain.

Barcelona’s ban

In Barcelona, the City Council banned the opening of new gaming rooms. Mayor Ada Colau decided to “preserve citizens’ health and avoid problems they can create.”

One of the main reasons is “the negative impact and the social consequences for the population, especially the youth.” Thus, Barcelona seeks to “put order in the gaming and betting venues.”

Currently, there are 53 gaming venues in Barcelona: 35 lounges, 17 bingo halls and the Casino Barcelona.