Professional bingo operators in Euskadi are pushing back against proposed regulations that would permit social bingo with monetary stakes in retirement centers and associations, arguing such activities constitute unfair competition targeting the same elderly demographic.
Pedro Jiménez, spokesperson for the Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi, addressed lawmakers during recent debates over the so-called "social bingo" regulations, expressing the industry's concerns about allowing gambling with money outside licensed establishments.
Industry Seeks Regulatory Clarity
Jiménez opened by emphasizing the association's non-confrontational approach, stating they would not pursue legal action against social organisations.
“We won't file complaints... we defend all types of social initiatives, social games, leisure activities. Of course, because that goes with people.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
However, he remained firm on regulatory compliance requirements for the licensed sector.
“We only want to defend our bingo under current regulations, and when new ones come, then with whatever comes.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
Regulatory Framework Context
Euskadi's proposed social bingo regulations would create a parallel gaming system where the same game operates under different compliance standards depending on venue type. This dual-track approach is unprecedented in Spain's gambling regulation landscape.
The Money Question
The core issue, according to Jiménez, centers on cash gambling outside regulated venues. He questioned the necessity of monetary stakes for social activities.
“What difference is there in marking with 20 cents or without 20 cents? That's what we don't understand.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
Instead, he proposed alternative reward systems already used in other leisure contexts.
“Instead of playing with money, let it be snacks, sandwiches... those types of things done when you go on vacation at a hotel or on a cruise.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
Alternative Reward Systems
The hotel and cruise industry successfully implements non-monetary bingo rewards through food items, merchandise, or service credits. These models could provide the social engagement benefits without creating regulatory overlap with licensed gambling operations.
Direct Competition Claims
When directly asked whether senior center activities harm licensed operators, Jiménez was unequivocal about the competitive threat.
“Does it seem like unfair competition to me? Yes. Why? Because we have the same and only clientele.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
The association's primary concern involves venues operating without the strict regulatory requirements that licensed operators must follow.
“That bingo with money can be played in any other place that doesn't comply with safety regulations, both for premises and prohibited persons... That's where we see the unfair competition.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
Warning
Licensed operators face strict safety regulations for premises and prohibited person monitoring that social venues would not be required to implement, creating an uneven competitive landscape where identical activities operate under different oversight standards.
Scale and Scope Concerns
Jiménez highlighted the regulatory challenge of defining boundaries once social gaming with money is permitted.
“Where's the line afterwards? How does it start, how does it end?”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
The numbers illustrate the competitive disparity. In Bilbao alone, Jiménez noted there are over 60 retirement centers compared to just 14 licensed bingo establishments operated by his association.
Regarding proposed restrictions limiting social venues to one daily session, he expressed skepticism about viability.
“How are they going to hold one game per day? I wouldn't go. And that's where the difference comes, where we see the danger for us. A danger we believe is real.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
60+
Retirement centers in Bilbao
14
Licensed bingo establishments
300-400
Direct workers employed
Economic Impact
The association represents significant employment in the region. The 14 bingo halls provide jobs for 300 to 400 direct workers, and many more indirect ones, according to Jiménez. He emphasised that current establishments operate under strict regulations that would be practically impossible to replicate under today's size and safety requirements.
“I didn't want to be aggressive in saying unfair competition, but to present a reality that we believe is there.”
— Pedro Jiménez, Spokesperson, Asociación de Bingos de Euskadi
Employment Considerations
Current licensed establishments could not be rebuilt under today's size and safety requirements, making existing operations irreplaceable assets. The 300-400 direct jobs represent significant regional employment that faces potential displacement from unlicensed competition.
Regulatory Precedent Questions
This dispute highlights broader questions about social gaming boundaries within established regulatory frameworks. The debate extends beyond retirement homes to include sports clubs and other associations, potentially creating a two-tier system where identical activities face different compliance standards based on venue type.
The outcome could establish precedents for other Spanish regions grappling with similar social gaming proposals, particularly regarding elderly demographics who form the core audience for both licensed and social bingo operations.
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