La Rioja parliament advances proposal to allow casino card games in bingo halls
Regulation2 min read
In brief
- La Rioja's parliament reportedly rejected amendments to the whole against the 2027 fiscal measures bill on 4 November.
- The bill would allow casino-style card games in bingo halls and gaming venues while the region has no casino.
- Each authorisation would carry a €795.91 administrative fee.
- Final approval is pending; entry into force is expected on 1 January 2027.
La Rioja's regional parliament reportedly rejected, on 4 November, the amendments to the whole that PSOE, Vox and Podemos-IU had filed against the 2027 fiscal and administrative measures bill and against the budget. The text therefore continues its passage through parliament.
Article 16 of the bill amends La Rioja's Gaming Law and adds a new additional provision. Under that provision, casino-style card games could be authorised in bingo halls and gaming venues while the region has no casino. Authorisations would require exclusive, separate and independent areas within the bingo halls and gaming venues. Operating conditions would be set by regulation and would be analogous to those in La Rioja's casino regulation. That regulation would also determine the minimum floor area a venue needs to obtain authorisation.
The bill creates an administrative fee of €795.91 per authorisation, for both bingo halls and gaming venues. These activities would be taxed under the tax regime for casinos.
The bill's explanatory memorandum refers to the closure of the only authorised casino in La Rioja. It says that certain games, poker among them, became illegal because they were restricted to casinos. The reform aims to provide an outlet for them in other venues.
The bill still has to complete the rest of its parliamentary process, which now moves to the partial amendments stage. If it receives final approval, it is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2027.