Gaming in Spain Conference publishes initial agenda for 2026 in Madrid

The organization Gaming in Spain has published the initial agenda for the Gaming in Spain Conference 2026, which will take place on Thursday, October 15, at the ECIJA Auditorium in Madrid. The program, featuring a keynote address by Mikel Arana (Director General of the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling, DGOJ), will focus on deposit limits among operators, the central problem gambling detection algorithm designed by the DGOJ, anti-money laundering (AML), fraud, and the growing impact of competition from unregulated offshore markets.

A meeting with key participants from the regulated Spanish sector

Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Spain, highlighted the diverse profile of attendees: regulators, licensed operators, providers, and police representation, including the National Police. According to Van Oort:

"I am very pleased to have brought together such relevant actors. This reflects the effort of Gaming in Spain and, more broadly, Gaming in Europe, to facilitate discussions that help build a sustainable regulated gaming industry in the long term. All of this, in the face of the growing threat from unregulated, unfair or offshore competition. To reclaim the market, collaboration and shared knowledge are needed."

The agenda is structured into seven blocks, with specific sessions addressing both national regulation and emerging risks and technology.

Cross-operator deposit limits and gambling regulation in Melilla

Regulatory updates include a panel led by the DGOJ on the implementation of cross-operator deposit limits, featuring Justo Sancho (DGOJ), Sander Hoogendoorn (Chevron Group), and moderated by Camille Gonzálvez (ECIJA). Additionally, there will be a segment dedicated to Melilla and the development of regulated gambling in Spain, led by Patricia Lalanda (LOYRA Abogados).

Offshore competition and the black market: data and risks

Another block focuses on the black market and offshore competition. Josh Hodgson (H2 Gambling Capital) will present market data, while Dmitry Belianin (Blask Business Intelligence) will analyze comparisons between onshore and offshore gaming. Björn Fuchs (VNLOK) will discuss illegal gambling advertising. These sessions are framed within concerns about the advance of unregulated operators that challenge controls and the sustainability of the domestic market.

Player protection and compliance: algorithms and AML prevention

The agenda includes player protection sessions focusing on algorithms to detect potential problem gambling. Pedro Romero (BetBlocker) and Paula Murphy (Mindway AI) will participate in panels on prevention and early identification of risks. In issues of fraud and AML, David Calvete Sarasa, Chief Inspector of the National Police, will be involved, accompanied by a panel on the new AML/CFT regulation of the European Union with Pedro López Martín-Andino (MartínAndino Abogados) and Jochen Biewer (Chevron Group).

Emerging technology, new products, and payments

The conference dedicates several blocks to innovation in products and technology, highlighting a presentation by Avanti Studios on AI-driven live casino. Sessions will also cover new formats of gaming and betting, affiliation, and payments, reflecting trends affecting both operators and providers. The intervention on the Latin American (LatAm) market remains pending confirmation.

Free webinar prior: regulation, limits, and consumer experience

Meanwhile, Gaming in Spain announced a free webinar on Tuesday, September 15, at 15:30 CET. The seminar will address cross-operator deposit limits, potential reforms to the Gambling Law in Spain, the implementation of the DGOJ detection algorithm, and the growing consumer interest in predictive betting products and offshore experiences. Registration is open and attendance is free. Further updates on the program are expected before the October conference.