SAJUCAL warns limiting payment methods will threaten profitability and jobs

SAJUCAL president Carmen Rodrigo has asked the Junta of Castilla y León to coordinate the reform of the Game Law with pending regulations, enable alternatives to cash, and expand gaming and complementary activities to ensure business viability. Rodrigo said allowing new payment methods on comparable terms to other businesses is urgent and necessary to avoid losses and operational risks.

Requested payment methods and the regulatory obstacle

SAJUCAL, together with the associations of the other private on‑site gaming subsectors in Castilla y León, asks to be able to use “the same payment methods as any other business”. Specifically, the association requests normalising and enabling alternatives to cash such as bank cards, payment terminals (TPV), TITO systems and ATMs. Rodrigo explained the activity is legal and regulated and that the disadvantage compared with other sectors makes no sense.

The main obstacle today is regulatory: the incorporation of these payment methods depends on the reform of the regulations for all on‑site gaming subsectors. The Junta of Castilla y León has told them that reform will be addressed soon, and SAJUCAL trusts that will be the case because the sector needs this solution as soon as possible. In the original text of the law and until the new regulations are approved, the possibility of implementing those methods remains blocked.

Risks of approving the bill without regulations

Carmen Rodrigo warned that the bill published after the summer could cause significant losses to the sector if approved in its current form. According to her account, the amendment to the Game Law of Castilla y León, which would take effect on 1 January 2027, would clearly restrict payment methods so that, until the new regulations are approved, only cash could be used.

That restriction raises a security problem: operating exclusively with cash exposes salons to robberies and muggings, which Rodrigo said are increasingly frequent, and puts workers at risk. It also produces a direct economic impact. SAJUCAL’s president said that if the bill’s measures go ahead they will reduce the profitability of salons and other gaming establishments, which would jeopardise their continuity and the jobs they generate.

Call for dialogue and non‑negotiable changes

All private on‑site gaming subsectors in Castilla y León, through the Intersectoral Table, have requested a channel for dialogue with the Administration to resolve the situation. SAJUCAL expects that dialogue to bear fruit and that the amendment to the Law can ultimately be withdrawn in the Cortes.

The Junta is asked to show courage and consistency: to maintain dialogue with the sector and to coordinate legal changes with the new regulations to avoid leaving companies in a limbo that threatens their viability. For SAJUCAL there are two non‑negotiable issues: enable alternative payment methods to cash as soon as possible and expand the offer of gaming and complementary activities.

Technological modernisation compatible with protection and control

Rodrigo argued that technological modernisation should advance alongside guarantees for player protection and security. SAJUCAL’s proposal rests on three pillars: secure, traceable electronic payment methods that allow greater control over each transaction; effective access controls using biometric systems, already envisaged in the Game Law; and staff training in responsible gaming.

SAJUCAL has long provided training to its members and workers through ANESAR. Rodrigo noted that implementing biometric controls and electronic payment methods would benefit both player protection and the security of workers and premises.

“We are a legal, regulated economic activity, and it makes no sense for us to remain at a disadvantage compared with other sectors,” said Carmen Rodrigo, president of SAJUCAL.

“We ask that the amendment to the Law can ultimately be withdrawn in the Cortes,” Rodrigo added, recalling the Intersectoral Table’s request.

SAJUCAL insists that the Junta of Castilla y León coordinate the regulatory reform and enable payment options such as cards, POS terminals (TPV), TITO systems and ATMs to avoid security risks and loss of profitability in the salons. Through dialogue, the association seeks to ensure the legal changes do not leave the sector in limbo while it awaits the new regulations. For more context on technical measures and compliance, consult the payments section and the regulatory implications in regulation.