DGOJ sets out its view on predictive markets at MERGE Madrid 2026
Regulator Mikel Arana said unlicensed platforms cannot offer services or be accessed from Spain.
Key Takeaways
- The DGOJ participated in MERGE Madrid 2026 and presented Spain’s regulatory stance on predictive markets.
- Mikel Arana said platforms that constitute gambling activity under Spanish law must hold a licence to operate in Spain.
- Predictive markets without authorisation cannot legally provide services in Spain and measures are used to block access from the country.
- The DGOJ reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing gambling legislation and adapting supervision to digital market developments.
The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) took part in MERGE Madrid 2026 and set out Spain’s regulatory position on predictive markets. The Director General, Mikel Arana, spoke at the panel "Regulatory visions on Prediction Markets" and stated that platforms which constitute gambling activity under Spanish law must hold a licence to operate in Spain; those without one cannot legally offer services and measures are taken to block access from Spain.
Intervention at MERGE Madrid 2026
Mikel Arana took part in the debate held within MERGE Madrid 2026, the international forum on cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and Web3 that brought institutional representatives, regulators, financial institutions and companies from the digital asset ecosystem together in Madrid. The panel on predictive markets discussed the need to determine the applicable legal framework according to the characteristics of the products and the legislation in force in each jurisdiction.
DGOJ position on licences and access
Arana explained that platforms offering products that constitute gambling activity under Spanish law must hold the corresponding licence to operate in Spain. Consequently, predictive markets that fall into this category and lack authorisation cannot legally supply services in our country, and measures are adopted to block access from Spain to the affected platforms.
Supervision and regulatory adaptation
The DGOJ’s participation conveyed the Spanish regulatory perspective to an international debate on the evolution of these markets and the challenges they pose for supervisory authorities. The DGOJ reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing gambling legislation and adapting supervision to new sector realities; its work focuses on ensuring operators meet legal requirements and on preserving a safe gambling environment. gambling legislation and regulatory presence remained central to the message. [regulatory perspective](/regulation)
MERGE Madrid 2026 was cited as the forum where this exchange between authorities and actors in the digital ecosystem took place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the DGOJ say about predictive-market platforms at MERGE Madrid 2026?
The DGOJ said platforms that constitute gambling activity under Spanish law must hold a licence to operate in Spain; Mikel Arana made this statement at the panel "Regulatory visions on Prediction Markets" during MERGE Madrid 2026.
Can predictive markets operate in Spain without a licence?
No. If the platforms constitute gambling activity and lack authorisation they cannot legally operate in Spain, and the DGOJ indicated measures are taken to prevent access from Spain to affected platforms.
What forum brought regulators and companies together to discuss predictive markets?
MERGE Madrid 2026, an international event focused on cryptocurrencies, blockchain and Web3, convened institutional representatives, regulators, financial entities and companies from the digital asset ecosystem in Madrid.
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About the author
Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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