Spain Requires Gambling Operators To Verify Ownership Of Every Payment Method

Spain’s licensed online gambling operators must verify that each player owns the payment methods used for deposits and withdrawals under new anti-money laundering rules.

Royal Decree 813/2026, published on 8 October by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business, amends 11 financial-sector decrees. Verification of a gaming account alone no longer satisfies the requirements.

Existing Customers Face April Deadline And Restrictions On Withdrawing Winnings

According to EFE, checks apply immediately to new accounts, while existing customers have until 28 April 2027 to comply.

During that period, existing players may continue depositing and gambling, but cannot withdraw winnings before verification. Where ownership remains unverified at the deadline, operators must close the account, notify the DGOJ and return the entire balance, including withheld winnings.

EFE reported that identity impersonation complaints rose 12% in 2025 to 8,675.

Operators Must Update Payment Systems And Contact Existing Customers

Platforms need reliable ownership checks across cards, bank accounts and payment gateways, covering both incoming and outgoing funds.

Customers using a partner’s or relative’s card must switch to a payment method in their own name before cashing out. Withdrawal restrictions could generate complaints and additional support requests.

Jdigital has requested an interpretive guide from authorities to clarify implementation and provide legal certainty, according to Sector del Juego.

Payment Checks Arrive Alongside Nationwide Deposit Limits And Broader Safeguards

April’s deadline follows the expected March 2027 introduction of national deposit limits, capping spending across operators at €700 daily.

The ownership requirement also broadens a principle previously proposed for at-risk customers under the DGOJ’s draft risk-detection test. Rather than applying only to flagged players, payment methods must now match every account holder.

Amendments cover identity verification within Spain’s anti-money laundering regulation, extending checks to each payment method a customer uses. iGB said it had approached Jdigital for comment.

Ownership checks can address impersonation, but implementation must give customers clear explanations of what evidence is required and when withdrawals can resume. Operators should prioritise early communication with existing players rather than leave verification until a cash-out request.