Spain’s gambling fraud complaints up 12% as ministry orders ID checks

Existing players can deposit but not withdraw until payment ownership is verified.

The hit

Spain now requires betting operators to match every gaming account to the verified owner of its payment method, according to SBC News. The rule, introduced via Real Decreto 813/2026 by the Ministry of Consumption, follows a rise in identity theft complaints in the sector during 2025.

Why it matters

For bettors, the change means new accounts face instant ID checks, while existing players can keep depositing but cannot withdraw until ownership is confirmed. Miss the deadline & operators must close the account, notify the DGOJ & return balances & unpaid prizes, subject to AML & counter-terrorist financing rules. The DGOJ says impersonators exploit payment methods that are hard to verify in real time, linking the fraud to organised crime.

The record

Fraudulent identity complaints in 2025	8,675, up 12% (DGOJ)
Transition period for existing accounts	6 months to verify payment ownership
Central deposit system deadline	25 March 2027 (DGOJ)
Expected channelisation rate	78%, a concern for operators including CIRSA & Codere

What happens next

Watch for Spain’s snap election at the end of November, which could reshape political priority for the DGOJ’s reforms. Forced account closures begin once the verification deadline passes.

Sources: SBC News

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