Canarias postpones the opening of new gambling venues. The Official Gazette of the Canary Islands has published the postponement of the opening of new gambling establishments for the next 18 months. It seeks to safeguard minors and other vulnerable groups.
On March 5, 2020, the presentation of applications for the installation, opening and operation of new recreational and gaming halls and external betting venues is prohibited while Law 8/2010, of July 15, on Games is modified and Betting, and the new Decree of Planning of Games and Bets in the Canary Islands. In addition, no new authorizations for external betting spaces will be granted in casinos and bingo halls.
51 new openings in 2019
Prior to the new Law Decree, the Government of the Canary Islands had already taken different measures to guarantee responsible gaming among users. The main objective is that minors cannot access the gambling halls and gambling establishments that have proliferated so much on the islands in recent years.
The Government had also created measures to establish a blocking system for gambling operators. Both measures seek to protect minors and those who are registered in the General Register of Interdictions. The gaming sector in the Canary Islands has grown exponentially in recent years.
Following the entry of the Outside Betting Regulation, the gaming sector has exploded on the islands. In 2019 alone, 51 salons were opened, of the 285 establishments in the Canary Islands. Which has meant a growth of 63%.
The Autonomies veto the bookmakers
Canarias postpones the opening of new gambling venues. This measure had already been taken by other Communities. In this way, the Canary Islands joins the Autonomous Communities of the Balearic Islands, Valencian Community, Castilla La Mancha, Asturias, Navarra and Murcia.
On November 12, the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, decided to temporarily suspend the concession of licenses and new openings of gaming halls and premises for a year and a half. To date, in the Community of Madrid there are 678 establishments. In October, the mayoress of Barcelona, Ada Codau, adopted this average in Barcelona for 12 months. There are currently 53 stores in Barcelona.
