The Council of Ministers in Spain has recently appointed Andrés Barragán Urbiola as the Secretary General of Consumption and Gaming. His main responsibility will be to oversee the ongoing federal reforms in the country’s gambling laws, which are being led by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. This appointment is part of a larger effort to strengthen the regulation and safety of the gambling sector in Spain.
Pablo Bustinduy, the Minister of Consumer Affairs and Social Rights, has emphasized the importance of having a dedicated minister to spearhead these gambling reforms. Under the leadership of his predecessor, Alberto Garzon, significant changes have already been made to the gambling laws in Spain, with a focus on creating unified standards and centralized controls for all forms of gambling – both online and land-based.
One of the key reforms introduced under Garzon was the “Royal Decree on Gambling Advertising,” which aimed to restrict gambling advertisements to late-night hours and banned betting sponsorships. In 2023, the “Royal Decree on Responsible Gaming Environments” was also implemented, laying the groundwork for further changes in the industry, such as the creation of a centralized player registry and the documentation of risk profiles for younger consumers.
The decision to appoint Urbiola as Secretary General is a strategic one, as he brings a wealth of experience in economic policy and financial analysis to the role. His background in designing support measures for businesses during the pandemic and planning Spain’s Recovery Plan makes him well-equipped to handle the complexities of gambling reform.
As Secretary General, Urbiola’s main focus will be on ensuring that Spanish gambling operators comply with some of the strictest regulations in Europe by 2024. This includes enforcing advertising restrictions and implementing measures to protect vulnerable and younger consumers from the potential harms of gambling.
Overall, this appointment reflects Spain’s commitment to creating a safer gambling environment and addressing issues related to gambling addiction. It aligns with the government’s new Action Plan on Addictions for 2025-2028, which will be led by Bustinduy and will focus on developing comprehensive strategies to reduce the risks associated with gambling.
