The government of Spain’s Canary Islands has prohibited the opening of a new gambling halls for 18 months, according to the Ministry of Public Administration, Justice and Security.
The suspension also bars existing locations and bingo halls from expanding their operations. During the suspension period, the government will modify its Gambling and Betting Law and introduce a new decree of Game Planning and Betting in the Canary Islands.
According to CDC Gaming Reports, the purpose of the suspension is to prevent minors and self-excluders from gambling, as well as those who have been compelled by local courts not to gamble.
Similar measures have already been adopted in other autonomous communities, such as the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, Castilla La Mancha, Asturias, Navarra and Murcia, in addition to the approval by the Community of Madrid of a recent decree, which has suspended the authorizations by a period of 18 months, CDC reported.
“In the gaming and betting rooms of the Canary Islands, €43.6 million were spent in 2017 and €73 million in 2018—that is to say, there was an increase of 70 percent,” said Carmen Hernández, who pushed the initiative. “In addition, in the Canary territory there are 37 open premises, which gives an idea of the proliferation of these businesses.” The ban includes the prohibition of such premises near schools, more control when it came to underage gambling and restrictions on advertising.
