New Rules Against Identity Theft in Spain's Gambling Sector

Spain's Ministry of Consumer Affairs has prepared a new regulation to fight identity theft in the gambling sector. According to the ministry's data, complaints about fake identities rose by 12 percent in 2025, reaching a total of 8,675 recorded cases. The country's gambling regulator, DGOJ, has begun a comprehensive overhaul of compliance and governance processes across the sector.

DGOJ said that people impersonating others often use payment methods that are difficult to verify in real time. The agency also warned that identity theft is increasingly linked to organized crime and money laundering. Under the rule introduced by Royal Decree 813/2026, licensed operators must ensure that the person registered to the gaming profile is the same as the owner of the payment method.

For new accounts, this verification will apply as soon as the account is opened. For existing accounts, operators have been given a six-month transition period. During this period, players will be able to continue depositing and playing, but they will not be able to withdraw their winnings until ownership of the payment method has been verified. If ownership cannot be proven at the end of the six months, the account will be closed, DGOJ will be notified, and balances and unpaid prizes will be refunded in line with the rules against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Meanwhile, political uncertainty continues in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early election, which will be held at the end of next month. This means the long-term picture for the gambling sector is not yet clear.