Spain:Gambling Regulation On Track

The next country that will provide an internet gambling regulatory framework is Spain.

The 1 January, 2012 is the due date and it’s just around the corner. One of the highlights is that the Spanish Cabinet sanctioned the decrees on internet gambling licensing and its technical requirements.

The trade association AEDAPI said that it is satisfied with its administrative process. Many operators who wish to operate in Spain must apply for a license.

But, AEDAPI cautioned, as lucrative as the Spanish market might seem operators must pay 25% tax on their net income. Many operators said that the tax rate is steep and might find it difficult to yield a substantial profit. The AEDAPI statement reads like this, “In this sense, we believe there is still much work to be done and many ways to improve gambling laws for the Spanish market.”

many operators are eager to meet this deadline. Rank PLC, can’t wait for the Spanish market to open up. Rank will introduce its new site enRacha.com in 2012. It offers an assortment of card games, slots, skill games, casino and poker games.

Ladbrokes, UK listed operator said that it is interested in operating in Spain and Denmark. The company recently signed a deal with gaming Microgaming, it will offer casino and poker products. The name of Ladbrokes’ site that will operate in the Spanish market is LBApuestas. Hopefully it will receive its license in January 2012.

LBApuestas and the Danish site will boast an array of sites that will run on Microgaming’s Flash and download casino. In addition Ladbrokes will use Microgaming’s poker software. This allows players from Spain and Denmark to play poker cash games and tournaments.

Director of corporate and strategic development at Ladbrokes, Adam Greenblatt said: “We have a strong relationship with Microgaming and our players reacted well to their products; we are pleased to be working with them as we target new licenses in Spain and Denmark.” Andy Clucas, Microgaming’s business development head, said that once its licensed is approved, Ladbrokes will be in a commanding position to offer a competitive range of products.