DGOJ strengthens European cooperation against illegal gambling at Halle meeting
Spanish delegation shared results on marketing communications and blocking measures in Nov 2026
Key Takeaways
- The DGOJ participated in a meeting of European regulators in Halle (Germany) in November 2026, led by Eugenio Álvarez and Cecilia Pástor.
- The United Kingdom proposed creating a joint portal to share information on websites and apps identified as illegal.
- Sessions addressed IP blocking, prediction markets and the impact analysis of Royal Decree 958/2020 on marketing communications.
- The agenda also covered anti-money laundering prevention, public communication and regulatory updates from the second half of 2026.
The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, DGOJ), part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, took part in a meeting of European regulators held in Halle (Germany) in November 2026 to reinforce cooperation against the illegal supply of gambling. The Spanish delegation was led by Eugenio Álvarez, Deputy Director General for Gambling Regulation, and Cecilia Pástor, Deputy Director General for Gambling Inspection. The meeting focused on information exchange, blocking measures and the regulatory challenges posed by prediction markets.
Information exchange and UK proposal for a joint portal
One of the main items was a proposal by the United Kingdom to create a joint portal to share up-to-date information on websites and applications identified as illegal. The initiative aims to facilitate data exchange among regulatory authorities and improve coordination of actions against operators offering services without the required authorisation. The proposal was discussed as a means to harmonise responses across jurisdictions and speed up enforcement.
The meeting included a session dedicated to the blocking of IP addresses, where participants shared experiences, results and difficulties in applying these measures. Technical and operational challenges to preventing access to unauthorised platforms were analysed, as well as possible avenues to improve effectiveness through greater international cooperation. The discussion addressed practical enforcement tools and cross-border coordination in the context of regulatory frameworks and [regulatory practice](/regulation).
Prediction markets and legal framework
Prediction markets formed a separate work block, with participants pooling the situation in each jurisdiction represented. Regulators debated the challenges posed by these platforms and the need to assess their activity against the applicable legal framework in each country. The session examined regulatory approaches and consumer-protection considerations relevant to [casino](/casino) and betting markets.
Marketing communications and other regulatory topics
The DGOJ presented the main results of the impact analysis of Royal Decree 958/2020, of 3 November, on marketing communications for gambling activities. The presentation allowed the sharing of evaluation conclusions and regulatory lessons derived from the application of that rule.
The meeting programme also included sessions on anti-money laundering prevention, public communication and awareness-raising, and a review of the main regulatory developments among participating jurisdictions during the second half of 2026. The DGOJ’s participation in the forum reflects its commitment to cooperation between European regulatory authorities and to strengthening supervisory tools.
"Information and experience exchange is essential to improve the response to the illegal gambling market," said the DGOJ delegation during the meeting, according to the authority’s note.
The DGOJ attended the meeting to share supervision and inspection practices and to evaluate collective mechanisms that facilitate the detection and blocking of unauthorised offers. European cooperation emerged as the practical axis of the sessions held in Halle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who represented the DGOJ at the Halle meeting?
The DGOJ was represented by Eugenio Álvarez, Deputy Director General for Gambling Regulation, and Cecilia Pástor, Deputy Director General for Gambling Inspection; both attended the sessions held in Halle (Germany).
What does the joint portal proposed by the UK aim to do?
The portal proposed by the United Kingdom aims to facilitate the exchange of up-to-date information on websites and applications identified as illegal, improving coordination of data between regulatory authorities to act against unauthorised operators.
What aspect of Royal Decree 958/2020 did the DGOJ present?
The DGOJ presented the results of the impact analysis of Royal Decree 958/2020, of 3 November, concerning marketing communications for gambling activities, sharing evaluation conclusions and regulatory lessons from its application.
What technical topics were discussed about blocking platforms?
Participants discussed experiences, results and difficulties in applying IP-address blocking, analysing technical and operational challenges to prevent access to unauthorised platforms and options to enhance effectiveness through international cooperation.
Tags
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.
More from Miguel Sandoval
