Castilla-La Mancha to restrict casino changes and ban licence transfers

Castilla-La Mancha plans to restrict changes to granted casino authorisations and to ban their transfer to third parties under article 11 of its 2027 tax and administrative measures bill. The article amends Law 5/2021 on the administrative and fiscal regime for gambling in the region, according to the draft bill.

Under the draft, holders of authorisations already granted may only request modifications related to their gaming offer. The text also expressly prohibits transferring to third parties the authorisations of casinos that have already been granted.

The bill also suspends the granting of new casino installation authorisations from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031. The restriction will not affect files already in process when the law enters into force.

The region justifies the measures on grounds of general interest, citing the protection of minors and the most vulnerable groups against the risks associated with gambling, as well as the safeguarding of health and public order.

The draft combines a temporary suspension of new installations with permanent limits on the modification and transfer of existing authorisations, under the conditions set out in article 11.