Spanish Online Gaming License Regulation Delayed Until 2012

The regulation of online gaming licenses in Spain may be delayed by up to three months. The process of granting online gaming licenses in Spain may be delayed until the end of the year or by an additional three months. Two scenarios are being considered: granting licenses by December 30th or extending the moratorium by three months.

If licenses are granted by December 30th, more companies will have the opportunity to apply and prepare for market entry. This would allow for a more orderly launch with the first operators ready together, rather than granting the first license to the first operator ready, which would expire the current moratorium on online gaming advertising until January 1, 2012.

The new government, taking office on December 22nd, could modify the gaming law by decree, extending the moratorium by three months. If the moratorium is extended, the new regulated environment could start on January 31, 2012.