Market Unity

On the basis of the powers conferred upon the CPJ, over the course of 2014 it commenced a review of regional gambling regulations with the aim of aligning these regulations within the framework of the principles recognised by Law 20/2013, of 9 December, guaranteeing market unity. This task has involved an analysis of the requirements stipulated by the autonomous communities with respect to access to gambling activity by operators in the various sub-sectors and the requirements placed on Type B machines and machines operated by the server.

Law 20/2013, of 9 December, guaranteeing market unity  (hereinafter, LGUM) is intended to establish principles that will ensure the unity of the market, creating a more favourable environment for investment and competition by recognising the nationwide validity of decisions made by the competent home authorities based on the principles of mutual trust and nationwide effectiveness of government actions. This regulation is intended to eliminate any obstacles in each sector of economic activity in the State, facilitating the free movement of  factors of production and enabling operators to take advantage of lower costs due to scale economies, thus stimulating investment and increasing productivity, competitiveness, economic growth and employment.

According to the aforementioned law LGUM (Article 12) “Through the sectoral conferences, the different competent authorities shall analyse and propose the changes to regulations needed to comply with the principles of this Law and establish regulatory frameworks adapted to its principles and provisions.”

In this context, the Sectoral Conference for Gambling, in compliance with Additional Provision 8 of the LGUM, has analysed certain conditions and requirements to access and exercise activities in the gambling industry in order to drive the appropriate changes to regulations and reforms.