EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | Jdigital denounces the contradiction of the new payment control: immediate demands for new players and six months to adapt the systems

The entry into force of Royal Decree 813/2026, on 28 October, has opened a new operational front for online gambling operators. The obligation to verify that the holder of the means of payment coincides with that of the gaming account raises technical difficulties and doubts about the adaptation periods.

Jacqueline Mecinas, editor of INFOPLAY, interviews Jdigital exclusively to find out the association's position on the new requirements, the difficulties of compliance and the role that the authorities must play.

Jacqueline Mecinas, editor of INFOPLAY. Does Jdigital consider the new obligation to verify the ownership of means of payment proportionate?

Jdigital. Jdigital shares the objective of strengthening the prevention of money laundering and considers that its effectiveness requires obligations proportionate to the risk, technically feasible and accompanied by conditions that allow compliance. The amendment of Article 21 of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation introduced by Royal Decree 813/2026 poses significant difficulties in these three areas.

J. M. What difficulties do operators encounter in verifying the ownership of means of payment? Are there sufficient tools to do so?

Jdigital. The verification that the holder of the means of payment coincides with the holder of the gaming account depends on information and capabilities that, in many cases, are in the hands of banks and payment service providers. The possibilities of verification vary according to the instrument used and its technical configuration. Therefore, establishing a general obligation requires ensuring the availability of verification mechanisms beforehand and articulating the collaboration of these entities. Its application has direct consequences on operators' systems, transaction management and user experience.

J. M. The decree grants six months to adapt the technical systems, but requires immediate compliance for new players. How does Jdigital assess this situation?

Jdigital. Added to these difficulties is the legal uncertainty generated by the transitional regime, especially with regard to new players. The requirement of immediate compliance for new registrations, while contemplating a period of adaptation of the technical systems, places operators in front of significant compliance difficulties. A reform of this scope requires clear criteria and deadlines consistent with the necessary adaptations.

J. M. Has the sector been sufficiently involved during the preparation of the reform? What role should the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling assume?

Jdigital. Jdigital considers that an early and effective dialogue with the sector would have made it possible to identify these difficulties and prepare an orderly application. The DGOJ, as a sectoral authority, must play an active role in this process, transferring the operational particularities of online gambling and contributing to coordinating solutions with the competent authorities and payment institutions.

J. M. What does Jdigital expect now from the DGOJ and Sepblac? Are you concerned that the difficulties of application could favour the illegal market?

Jdigital. For this reason, Jdigital hopes that the DGOJ and Sepblac understand the efforts that have been made since October 28 in order to guarantee the effectiveness of the approved measure in a climate of dialogue and understanding. Sharing the objective entails sharing the times and this in order to channel the players to the regulated market.

The first transitional provision of Royal Decree 813/2026 provides for a period of six months for players registered before its entry into force and for the adaptation of operators' technical systems.

Jdigital has not provided estimates on the number of affected accounts, the possible prizes withheld or the costs of adaptation. Nor has it specified which payment instruments present greater difficulties in verification.

The association focuses its claim on the need to have available technical mechanisms, adequate deadlines and effective coordination between authorities, financial institutions and operators.