Spain re-opens licensing window
Operators have until 9 December to apply for new licences following Friday's publication of Ministerial Order
The Spanish regulator La Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has finally re-opened its licensing window in a move which is expected to usher in around 12 new market entrants and provide a boost to the country’s current online casino operators.
The window, which invites general applications from those not currently active in Spain’s regulated market and introduces slots and exchange betting singular licences for current permit holders, opened on 1 November and will remain open until 9 December.
Operators are required to submit applications electronically via the DGOJ’s website with the regulator advising firms to allow up to six months for applications to be processed and licenses to be issued.
The news comes after eGaming Review last month reported a re-opening of the licensing window was imminent following the publication of details around the application procedure for both slots and exchange betting.
Market observers estimate the country could see around 12 new market entrants as a result of the window while a large majority of current licence holders are expected to apply for a permit to offer slots betting.
“It is expected that ten or 12 new applicants will enter the market on the different verticals, and of course most all the existing operators will certainly apply for the slots,” gaming consultant Eduardo Morales-Hermo told eGR last month.
Both the regulator and casino operators will be hoping the Spanish casino market responds to the introduction of slots in a similar fashion to Italy’s which grew by more than 60% in 2013 after it added the product to its portfolio in late 2012.
The addition of slots and exchange betting was finally confirmed in July after a long drawn-out process which first got underway in 2012.
Licences are set to last for five years but will be renewable should operators submit their applications within four months of their expiry dates.
In this week’s poll eGR ask whether the addition of slots will reduce the country’s black market activity.