A Space for Dialogue and Debate

The 1st International Gaming Congress serves as a meeting point for government authorities, academia, operators, associations, and international experts, fostering the exchange of experiences and joint reflection on the social impact of gaming and future regulatory challenges.

The event was held in a bilingual format (Spanish and English) with simultaneous translation services available for all in‑person attendees and virtual viewers.

The Congress was inaugurated by Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda, through a video message, and by Andrés Barragán, Secretary General of Consumer Affairs and Gambling.

In his remarks, Minister Bustinduy emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to creating safe gaming environments that protect minors, preventing premature exposure and the development of problematic gambling behaviors.

For his part, Andrés Barragán announced to the audience — with satisfaction — the approval in the Spanish Congress of Deputies of the ban on welcome bonuses, as well as the requirement that online gaming payments be made with bank cards under the same ownership as the gaming accounts.

Attendance at the Congress

The first session gathered 327 participants in a full house, including representatives from Public Administration (6%), public authorities (6%), universities (13%), operators (25%), legal and consulting services (13%), laboratories, suppliers and services (6%), DGOJ (14%), as well as player and consumer associations (4%), operator associations (4%), law enforcement (2%), media (3%), and other stakeholders from the sports sector (2%) and video games (1%).

Additionally, the sessions were streamed live via the YouTube channels of the DGOJ and the General Secretariat of Consumer Affairs and Gambling, registering more than 400 views during the first day of the event.