The Spanish gaming halls sector is pushing back against what it sees as uninformed regulation, with ANESAR president José Vall delivering a stark message to administrators during the recent industry congress closing.
Vall's central argument challenges the regulatory status quo, asserting that effective oversight requires genuine understanding of the industry being governed.
“You cannot regulate someone you neither know nor want to listen to”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
Industry Resilience Despite Regulatory Storms
The ANESAR president highlighted the gaming halls sector's remarkable adaptability in the face of constant regulatory and social pressures. He characterised the industry's approach as one of persistent evolution rather than mere survival.
“We adapt to the storm. Our mast breaks, but we adapt and continue sailing”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
Vall acknowledged current challenges around profitability and regulatory pressure but emphasised that foundations for positive change are already established. His congress observations focused on three key principles that emerged throughout the event, building on discussions that began at ANESAR's 13th Congress earlier this year.
“The three words most heard today I believe are balance, proportionality and dialogue... We are here to dialogue and I always believe that dialogue makes progress in the right direction for everyone”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
ANESAR Overview
The Spanish National Association of Gaming Hall Businesses (ANESAR) represents over 3,000 gaming establishments across Spain, employing approximately 15,000 workers and contributing €180 million annually in taxes to regional and national treasuries.
Reframing Industry Identity
Moving beyond defensive positioning, Vall proposed a fundamental shift in how the sector presents itself. Drawing inspiration from ONCE's well-known slogan, he suggested gaming halls adopt their own positive messaging around professional dignity.
“ONCE's 'well played' we should adapt to our 'well worked', and be very proud... it's something we have to be very proud of because this sector generates a lot of employment, generates economy, many taxes and covers many costs of public services”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
ONCE Reference Context
ONCE (National Organization of the Spanish Blind) operates one of Spain's most successful social enterprises through lottery sales, employing over 40,000 people with disabilities. Their 'bien jugado' (well played) slogan has become synonymous with responsible gaming and social contribution.
Worker Dignity at the Forefront
Vall's speech gave particular prominence to testimonies from gaming hall workers, highlighting the personal impact of regulatory stigma on legal industry employees.
“Having to justify where I work is incredible. I am working in a legal sector... and probably very few sectors are as controlled, as supervised and as regulated as ours”
— Gaming salon workers testimony cited by José Vall
Industry Employment Standards
Gaming halls must comply with strict labor regulations including mandatory training certifications, background checks, and ongoing professional development programs. Workers receive specialized training in responsible gaming protocols and customer interaction standards.
Administrative Engagement Call
The ANESAR president issued a direct challenge to public administrations, calling for genuine engagement rather than distant regulation. His appeal emphasised the disconnect between regulatory reality and industry operations, particularly as Spanish gaming faces increased oversight in multiple jurisdictions.
“It is important that administrations get closer to the sector, know better how our establishments work and also understand the real difficulties of companies and workers”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
Vall stressed that the sector has never disputed the need for control or prevention measures, but demands proportionality that allows normal economic activity within legal frameworks.
Regulatory Oversight Reality
Spanish gaming halls operate under multi-layered supervision including regional gaming commissions, tax authorities, labor inspectors, and municipal licensing bodies. Establishments undergo unannounced inspections averaging 8-12 times per year across different regulatory areas.
Family Business Foundation
Highlighting the sector's generational nature, Vall emphasised the human element behind gaming hall operations. He noted that family businesses form the industry backbone, with second and third generations already preparing to take leadership roles.
“Sectors are not sustained only with regulations and technologies, but thanks to people”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
Vall concluded the congress with a rallying cry, shouting:
“Long live freedom”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
He reminded delegates that individuals must remain free to choose their leisure within established limits, and that unity across all businesses – from smallest to largest – represents the only path to building a balanced future.
78%
Family-owned gaming halls in Spain
2.3
Average generations involved in operations
€2.8M
Average annual revenue per establishment
Regulatory Reset Opportunity
Vall's congress intervention signals a potential inflection point for Spanish gaming halls regulation. His emphasis on dialogue over diktat suggests the sector is seeking collaborative relationships with administrators rather than adversarial ones.
The challenge now lies in whether regulatory authorities will respond to this overture with the engagement Vall demands, or continue operating from what he characterises as uninformed distance.
According to AzarPlus.
Legal Disclaimer
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