The Spanish government has established a regulation that will transform how online betting and casino operators verify their users' transactions. Through Royal Decree 813/2026, platforms are required to confirm that payment cards and bank accounts used actually belong to the holder of the gaming account.
Objective of the New Regulation
The measure aims to strengthen the traceability of electronic money and reinforce control of operations in the online gaming sector. This technical verification goes beyond simple personal identification, requiring proof of ownership for each registered payment method.
Timelines and Adaptation Period
The regulation will come into force on October 28, 2024. Users registered before this date will have an adaptation period of six months, until April 28, 2027. During this transitional period, players can make deposits and play normally, but prize withdrawals or balance transfers will be blocked until the ownership verification is completed.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a user fails to complete the verification within the established timeframe, the operator may unilaterally terminate the contract. However, the regulation protects players by guaranteeing they will not lose their accumulated balance, as operators must return all deposited funds.
Implications for the Industry
This regulation sets an important precedent for security and transparency in online gaming. While applied in Spain, it could influence future regulations in other Latin American markets seeking to strengthen their regulatory frameworks for digital betting.
Diego Ramírez
Diego Ramírez, un apasionado del fútbol de toda la vida originario de Lima (Perú), convirtió su pasión por el deporte y las estadísticas en una carrera en el periodismo digital. Durante la última década, ha cubierto todo tipo de temas, desde los principales torneos de fútbol y los mercados de apuestas hasta los casinos online y la evolución de la normativa en toda América Latina.
Especialidades: predicciones de fútbol, reseñas de casas de apuestas, noticias sobre iGaming, regulación de las apuestas y marketing de afiliados.
