Spain introduces payment method ownership checks
Spain now requires online gambling operators to check that every payment method belongs to the account holder. Royal Decree 813/2026 was published in the BOE on 10 October 2026 and applies from 28 October.
What operators must do
Casinos must confirm that the card or e-wallet used for deposits and withdrawals is owned by the registered player and keep a record of the first verification. The rule covers websites, apps and other interactive channels, and amends the regulations under Law 10/2010 on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.
- Published 10 October; effective 28 October 2026.
- Existing players have six months to verify.
- Withdrawals are blocked until verification is complete.
- Unverified accounts will be closed and balances returned.
Six months to comply
Existing customers can keep depositing and playing during the six-month window, but cannot withdraw until they are verified. If they never verify, the operator closes the account and returns the balance, including withheld winnings, under anti-money laundering rules.
Operators also get six months to update payment and ID controls. Remote checks must meet the standards of Sepblac, Spain's financial intelligence unit, and both physical and digital DNI cards are accepted.
Our advice
Always pay with a method in your own name. Compare options in our guides to Interac casinos, fast payout casinos and Visa casinos.
Source: SBC News, 14 October 2026. This article is based on publicly reported news; our editors summarised and rewrote it for Toronto readers.