DGOJ extends consultation on proposed gambling-risk detection mechanism to 26 October

Spain's DGOJ has extended the deadline for comments on a draft resolution that would create a mechanism for identifying risky gambling behaviour. Interested public and private persons and institutions now have until 26 October to comment on and object to the proposal, according to the regulator.

The extension was set out in an agreement dated 15 October signed by DGOJ Director General Mikel Arana Echezarreta. The document said the additional time is intended to let stakeholders examine updated documentation and consider the proposal before contributing.

Public participation in its second stage began through an agreement dated 9 October, which allowed seven working days, running from 14 October to 22 October, for the submission of comments. Under the latest decision, that window is pushed back by four calendar days, so the closing date is now Monday 26 October.

The extension applies to everyone, including legal entities, organisations and interested parties. The DGOJ said the agreement does not change the purpose or other requirements of the consultation process, only the submission deadline.

Stakeholders can send observations and objections to the email address of the DGOJ's Deputy Directorate General for Gambling Regulation until 11:59pm on 26 October. The DGOJ said it will publish the extension agreement on its official website together with the document submitted for public consultation, and will announce the new deadline by the same means used to announce the opening of the participation process.

The draft resolution proposes a framework for identifying conduct that may carry gambling risk, and the consultation gives stakeholders a chance to give feedback on the proposed framework before it proceeds. The extension agreement contains no new obligations for gambling operators and no changes to the draft itself, according to the source.

According to the source, the consultation forms another stage in Spain's work to put in place measures that address the risks connected with gambling. The outcome will rest on the regulatory process and on how the contributions submitted by interested parties are assessed before the revised time period ends.