ANESAR calls for consistent gambling rules across Spain’s operators
Regulation1 min read
In brief
- ANESAR's Juan Lacarra called for operators in Spain to be regulated under consistent criteria.
- He cited about 3,600 halls, more than 36,000 machines and around 47,000 jobs.
- He said about 240 halls closed over the past two or three years.
- He asked that state initiatives respect regional powers over land-based gambling.
Juan Lacarra, technical secretary general of ANESAR, said in an interview that all operators in the Spanish market should compete under the same regulatory criteria.
Lacarra cited approximately 3,600 gaming halls across Spain, more than 36,000 installed machines and around 47,000 direct and indirect jobs. Of those jobs, more than 19,000 are direct positions. He said the halls contribute €320m in gaming fees, taxes and social security contributions. He added that, as operating companies, the halls pay a special tax as well as the taxes paid by other businesses.
Lacarra said the sector has matured and is now in decline, with approximately 240 halls closed over the past two or three years. He also pointed to a process of business concentration under way in the sector.
He said it is necessary to examine whether there is a real balance between operators, especially in advertising, sponsorship, marketing and access controls. Lacarra said ANESAR is not asking for privileges or questioning the role of any operator. He also referred to illegal gambling, which he described as especially present online.
Lacarra also defended the role of the autonomous communities in regulating land-based gambling. He asked that state initiatives respect regional powers and avoid unnecessary interference in areas the communities have managed for years.