The Barcelona City Council has ceased issuing new gambling licenses following a Supreme Court decision that altered the city’s planning policy. Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming places across the city are included in this pause. First Deputy Mayor Laia Bonet explained that the council’s action prevents a “legal vacuum” while the rules are reviewed again.
Spain’s Supreme Court partly cancelled the 2021 Special Urban Plan, saying some rules did not have enough reasons. That plan had prevented any gambling establishments from opening within 800 meters of a school or within 450 meters of places such as youth clubs or clinics. As shared in El Mundo, the court said towns can set gambling rules, but they have to give strong reasons and follow both free market and local laws.
There Is a Choice between Protecting Health and Supporting Market Freedom
Strict policies tried to lower betting addiction risks and support young people by limiting where gambling shops could open. The Special Urban Plan had played a main role in the city’s approach, until some parts were cancelled. Since 2019, there has been a Gambling Addiction Prevention Plan in Barcelona, which blocks gambling adverts on buses and public buildings.
This Plan Calls for Any Group with City Funding to Use Checks to Lower Addiction Risk
Problems and strong opinions about gambling do not just start now in Barcelona. In the past year, Catalonia’s ombudsman, David Bondia, said the international gaming meeting in Barcelona was a bad fit with local rules. Bondia asked city leaders to explore ways to cancel or modify the agreement to host the casino event. The city’s firm pause on license approvals now shows a clear choice to limit more gambling growth.
Share
41 views
Analysis 
Blog 
Business 
Companies 
Crime 
Finance 
M&A 
Regulation 
Reports 
Community
About us
Privacy Policy
T&C