Spain requires online gambling operators to verify payment ownership

Spain’s licensed online gambling operators must now verify that payment methods used for deposits and withdrawals belong to the person holding the gambling account.

The requirement took effect on 28 October. This was under Royal Decree 813/2026, which updates Spain’s anti-money laundering framework. It adds payment ownership checks to existing customer identification requirements.

“The holder of the payment method used for deposits and withdrawals is the holder of the gaming account.” — Royal Decree 813/2026 (translated from Spanish)

The change means operators have to review how they establish ownership of cards, bank accounts and other payment methods. Verifying a customer’s identity alone will no longer satisfy the requirement.

Six-month transition for existing customers

Customers registered before the rules took effect have six months, until 28 April 2027, to make any changes needed for verification.

During that period, affected players may continue depositing through their established payment methods and participating in games. However, the decree states that they cannot withdraw winnings while the ownership requirement remains unresolved.

If  verification has not been completed by the deadline, operators must terminate the contract and notify Spain’s gambling regulator, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).

They must also return the remaining balance, including unpaid winnings, subject to applicable anti-money laundering obligations. Operators have the same six-month period to adapt their technical systems.

The transition creates a substantial customer communication task. Players using a partner’s or relative’s payment method will need clear instructions explaining what must change and how to complete the checks.

It also creates a potential source of disputes. Customers who can still deposit and play may question why they cannot access winnings. They make early explanations particularly important.

Industry seeks guidance

Spanish online gambling association Jdigital has requested an interpretive guide from the authorities to clarify how the decree should operate. Sector del Juego reported that the association sought guidance providing “clarity and legal certainty” in applying the rules.

Jdigital and Asensi Abogados also organised a webinar examining the changes, including customer identification, payment verification and obligations involving Spain’s financial intelligence unit, SEPBLAC. The discussion covered implications for operators’ internal procedures and technology.

In practical terms, operators will need to coordinate compliance teams, payment providers and customer support. Reviewing existing accounts could expose gaps in the ownership information currently available through different payment services.

The scale of that work will depend on each operator’s customer base and verification arrangements. Clear requests for evidence, timely reminders and an accessible support process could help reduce avoidable delays.

With the April deadline approaching, operators face pressure to complete technical changes while guiding existing customers through the new checks.