DGOJ Discusses Illegal Gambling and Prediction Markets at European Regulators Meeting

The Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) participated in a European regulators meeting in Halle, Germany, on November 9, 2026. Key discussions focused on combating illegal online gambling, the regulation of prediction markets, and cross-border cooperation tools.

What Happened

The DGOJ disclosed details of its involvement in a European regulators meeting held in Halle, Germany, as reported by SBC Noticias on November 9, 2026. Representing the Spanish regulator were Eugenio Álvarez, Deputy Director General of Gaming Regulation, and Cecilia Pastor, Deputy Director General of Gaming Inspection. The meeting primarily addressed collaboration tools for combating illegal offerings, the advancement and development of prediction markets, and the current efficacy of measures to block unlicensed websites and applications, according to the DGOJ.

During the meeting, participants discussed the current status of prediction markets across various European regions, focusing on the challenges posed by their growth and the necessity for a regulatory framework in each country. DGOJ Director General Mikel Arana previously emphasized the need to regulate prediction markets at MERGE Madrid, stating that entities offering products categorized as gambling activities must obtain the appropriate license before serving customers in Spain. Consequently, prediction markets lacking due authorization cannot legally operate in Spanish territory, according to the DGOJ.

Regarding the fight against illegal gambling, the DGOJ reported that the United Kingdom proposed creating a joint portal to share information on websites operating outside legal frameworks in different jurisdictions. This initiative aims to enhance data exchange among regulators regarding illegal gambling websites and applications in Europe, improving coordination against non-compliant operators. A specific session on IP blocking also took place, where results and issues related to such measures were shared, with the DGOJ noting that discussions analyzed technical and operational challenges and opportunities for reinforcing effectiveness through international cooperation.

Key Details

• The DGOJ representatives, Eugenio Álvarez and Cecilia Pastor, attended the European regulators meeting in Halle, Germany, on November 9, 2026, as reported by SBC Noticias.
• Discussions at the meeting focused on tools for combating illegal online gambling, the development of prediction markets, and the effectiveness of website and application blocking measures, according to the DGOJ.
• The DGOJ emphasized the need for a legal framework for prediction markets in Spain, with Director General Mikel Arana stating that unlicensed operations are illegal, according to SBC Noticias.
• The United Kingdom proposed a joint portal for sharing information on illegal gambling sites to enhance cross-border cooperation among European regulators, as revealed by the DGOJ.

Why It Matters

The DGOJ’s participation in the European regulators meeting underscores a concerted effort among European jurisdictions to address common challenges in the regulated gambling sector. The focus on prediction markets highlights an emerging regulatory concern, as these platforms operate in a nascent legal landscape requiring clear definitions and licensing requirements, particularly in Spain. The proposal for a joint information portal for illegal gambling sites indicates a growing recognition of the need for harmonized enforcement strategies across borders to counter unauthorized operators more effectively. The discussions on IP blocking efficacy reflect ongoing technical and operational challenges in enforcing regulatory boundaries in the digital space, pointing to the importance of international cooperation for robust market integrity.