Update: Opening of Spanish Online Gambling Market

Spain finally welcomes many major operators

Despite various delays in the process, last-minute retro-taxation decision and uncertainties regarding transitioning arrangements, Spain has finally become a regulated online gambling market, open for business since June 5th.

A number of major operators remained in the run and launched dedicated .es sites, including PokerStars, 888, bwin.party, Ongame, Poker770 and bet365.

Based on the first reports, it appears that the first day went well, apparently undeterred by a last minute 'clarification' from the regulator requiring the purging of all player databases, and the need for players to sign up anew on the .es websites. In addition, operators were later on informally advised that they would have until June 15 before the ‘transitioning’ rule comes into effect, so they could get into the transition process and help it move faster.

It seems that Pokerstars and Party Poker .es websites have already become engaged in this issue, re-routing Spanish players from their .com log-in to the new .es websites, and as it appears, transferring VIP points and balances over without a problem.

The first reports indicate that Pokerstars' Zoom poker is not yet available, and that the .es site is currently offering only stakes up to Euro 0.5/1.

Some other networks present on the market now include the Ongame network, represented by four skins operated by PAF and Goalwin; Microgaming represented through the Ladbrokes site LBapuestas and a CIRSA operation; and 888poker via its dedicated .es site.

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