A court decision in Valencia has become pivotal for the future of the gambling industry in the region. From now on, new gaming halls and betting shops cannot open within 850 meters of educational institutions. This restriction applies not only to new venues, but also affects the renewal of licenses for existing establishments. For many residents, this means stronger protection of young people from gambling influence, and for businesses — new challenges and the need to revise development plans.
According to El Pais, the administrative court panel has dismissed five complaints from companies and industry associations that sought to challenge provisions of the regional law on gambling addiction prevention. The law, adopted in 2020, established minimum distances between gaming establishments and schools, as well as between the venues themselves — at least 500 meters. Companies argued that these measures violated their rights and hindered competition, but the judges found no grounds to overturn these regulations.
Arguments and implications
The judges relied on a recent European Court decision, which found such restrictions do not conflict with European law. In particular, the EU court stated that countries may set minimum distances between gambling venues and educational institutions if this is aimed at protecting public interests. In Valencia, these rules are established by law and detailed in a special decree of the regional government.
The contested sections of the decree concerned not only distances, but also the procedure for issuing permits, the replacement of slot machines in cafes and restaurants, and requirements for external advertising. The judges stressed that all these provisions comply with the law and do not exceed its boundaries. In their opinion, the restrictions are justified by the need to protect public interests and prevent gambling among minors.
Industry response and outlook
Gaming companies and associations have already declared their intention to appeal the decisions to the Supreme Court of Spain. However, experts note that the chances of overturning the restrictions are slim, given the stance of both European and national courts. At the same time, according to RUSSPAIN.COM, Valencia’s gambling market may see fewer new venues and heightened competition among existing operators.
The issue of gambling regulation remains relevant in other regions of Spain as well. For example, the country’s Supreme Court recently obliged PSC to pay property tax for its headquarters in Barcelona, setting a precedent for other political organizations (more details on the court’s decision regarding party taxes). These events show that court rulings are increasingly becoming a tool for regulating not only business, but also political life.
Context and recent trends
In recent years, Spain has tightened control over gambling, especially near schools and youth centers. Similar measures are being discussed in Madrid and Catalonia, and some municipalities have already implemented comparable restrictions. In 2025, Andalusia introduced a moratorium on issuing new licenses for gambling halls within a 1-kilometer radius of educational institutions. These actions reflect growing public concern over youth gambling addiction and the authorities’ efforts to limit access to gambling for vulnerable groups.
