In Bilbao, one of the most popular pastimes for seniors—weekly bingo at the Bonaparte center—came to an abrupt halt. The reason was a police visit and the threat of a hefty fine, sparking debate across the Basque Country. For many Spaniards, the incident served as an alarming sign: familiar leisure activities can suddenly be banned due to formal regulations, even when only symbolic stakes and non-profit events are involved.
The issue escalated in February when three Ertzaintza officers visited the Bonaparte center. They explained that holding bingo games involving cash contributions violates the current gambling regulation law. Although pensioners paid just 20 cents per card and prizes rarely exceeded 25 euros, organizers were threatened with fines of up to 60,000 euros. As El Pais reports, the complaint came from a neighboring gaming hall concerned that pensioners were gambling for money outside licensed establishments.
After the police visit, a simple sign appeared in the center’s hall: “Bingo suspendido hasta nuevo aviso.” The organizers decided not to take any risks— for most participants living on modest pensions, even the idea of such a fine seemed absurd. According to the center’s treasurer, none of the seniors sought profit; bingo was simply a way to stay active and socialize. Each year the center spent about 700 euros on bingo cards, and recently even purchased an electronic scoreboard for participants’ convenience.
Response and consequences
News about the ban quickly spread to other nursing homes in the region. Nagusiak, an association that unites 130 similar centers, recommended temporarily stopping any games involving cash contributions until the situation is clarified. The organization’s management turned to the ombudsman and the Basque Country government to find out whether such events can be held without legal risk for organizers. According to El Pais, similar issues have already arisen in other regions, for example, in Galicia, where the law was amended to support non-profit initiatives.
At Bonaparte, bingo was held twice a week, and for many elderly residents it was not just entertainment but an important part of social life. In addition to bingo, the center offers exercise classes, choir singing, and memory training. Organizers emphasize that these activities help older people stay engaged, make new friends, and maintain their interest in life. According to russpain.com, stopping such events could negatively affect the psychological well-being of the elderly.
Law and initiative
Current Basque Country legislation prohibits any gambling outside specially licensed venues. However, the law includes a caveat: if a game is held solely for entertainment and does not generate profit for the organizers, it may be permitted. Despite this, the wording remains vague, leading to the conflict in Bilbao. Representatives of the Bonaparte center insist their activities fully comply with the spirit of the law, as only minimal stakes are involved and no commercial gain is made.
In response to the incident, the Partido Popular submitted a bill to the Basque Parliament on Tuesday (March 17) to clearly exempt all non-commercial events for seniors and social organizations from the gambling regulation law. According to El Pais, the proposal seeks to amend Article 1.2 of Law 4/1991 to allow bingo and similar games in social and medical institutions, provided there is no commercial exploitation and the purpose is social or educational.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen debates over recreational activities for the elderly, especially when symbolic monetary contributions are involved. Galicia and several other regions have already introduced amendments allowing bingo and lottery games in care homes without the risk of fines. Similar initiatives are being discussed at the municipal level in Madrid and Valencia. Experience shows that these games not only pose no threat but also foster social integration and help prevent loneliness among seniors. Nevertheless, clear and straightforward regulations for such activities have yet to be established in all autonomous communities.
