Spain's new payment checks: what EU casino players need to know
Spain is the latest EU market to tighten payment rules for online gambling. Under Royal Decree 813/2026, published in the BOE on 10 October 2026, licensed operators must verify the owner of every payment method from 28 October.
The new requirement
Operators have to confirm that the card or e-wallet used for deposits and withdrawals belongs to the registered account holder, and keep evidence of that first check. The rule applies to websites, apps and other interactive channels, and it amends the regulation behind Law 10/2010 on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.
- In force from 28 October 2026.
- Existing players have six months to complete verification.
- Deposits and play continue, but withdrawals are blocked until then.
- Accounts that are not verified will be closed and balances returned.
Transition for existing customers
For six months, current customers can keep playing but cannot cash out until their payment method is verified. If they never verify, the operator closes the account and returns the balance, including withheld winnings, in line with anti-money-laundering rules. Remote ID checks must meet the standards of Sepblac, Spain's financial intelligence unit, and the DNI card is accepted in physical or digital form.
How this compares across Europe
Strict KYC is now the norm in most regulated EU markets, which is one reason some players look at no verification casinos. Before you do, read our guide to payment methods in EU casinos and our overview of licensed casinos.
Source: SBC News, 14 October 2026. This article is a short summary of the original report.