Spain is tightening payment verification requirements for licensed online gambling operators under Royal Decree 813/2026. The changes form part of the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework and are scheduled to take effect on 28 October 2026.
Operators Must Verify Payment Ownership
Under the new rules, gambling companies must confirm that the payment methods used for deposits and withdrawals belong to the registered account holder. The requirements cover online platforms, mobile applications and other electronic gambling channels.
Operators must also keep records of the verification procedures they carry out.
Six Months to Complete the Checks
Existing customers will have six months to complete the required payment verification. During this transition period, they can continue depositing through established payment methods and gambling, but withdrawals of winnings will be restricted until ownership has been verified.
After the transition period, operators must terminate accounts where payment ownership remains unverified. They will also need to report account activations and closures to Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation.
If an account is closed, outstanding balances must be returned, subject to applicable anti-money laundering obligations. Operators have the same six-month period to update their systems and procedures.
