News: Spanish Regulations

Spain is legalising its poker market, with a few restrictions. Strict playing and deposit limits will apply from 2012, initially in a Spanish-only market. Providers will be taxed 25-30% of their net income.

Spain is legalising its poker market, so if you want to play poker in Spain from 2012, you need to do it with a provider registered in Spain. However, players will be subject to restrictions, the Spanish government has set strict limits.

The maximum big blind is €10, so only games up to NL 1000 are allowed. In addition, you can only play with up to 100 big blinds. The maximum buy-in for tournaments is €250.
Deposit restrictions limited to €600/day, €1,500/week and €3,000/month, are also likely to hit hard. These limits could hinder regular traffic flow in the mid and high stakes games.

Higher limits available for individual players

Luckily, limits can be raised or completely suspended. Players have to contact providers and undergo a 'responsible play' test. This has been developed by the regulator and apparently isn't too difficult to pass. As soon as the test is passed, the player will get access to the new limits within 7 days.

If a player asks for the limits to be raised further, an analysis is carried out of the player's habits. If the results don't indicate a reason not to further increase the limits, they will be raised within 3 days. If the test or analysis of playing behaviour delivers a negative response, there is a 3-month waiting period before the player can apply to raise the limits again.

Spanish market isolated

Originally, much more restrictive measures were envisaged, such as a maximum buy-in of 30 big blinds in all cash games and banning certain poker variants, such as Razz. After massive protest from the Spanish poker community, the regulator has made some significant concessions.

Unfortunately, the Spanish poker market will be separated from the international market. Spanish players can now only play against other players on their own .es platforms. From 2013, Spanish players may be able to play against players from other 'trustworthy states', such as Italy or France.

Conditions for providers

The tax levied on providers will probably be 25-30% of net income. Poker companies seeking a license in Spain will need at least one office in a state in the European Union and will also need to name a representative in Spain. The offer must be made via a Spanish .es domain.

Regulators and financial insitutions must also have constant access to the provider's server data. Gaming providers will be able to place TV and radio adverts and sponsor sporting events and teams. Numerous poker providers have already made applications, including PokerStars and Bwin. Online sports betting remains illegal.