ANESAR, the Spanish Association of Gaming Hall and Recreational Entrepreneurs, has released the complete programme for its 13th Gaming Halls Congress, set to take place on 14 May 2026 in Madrid under the theme "El juego en positivo, un compromiso que nos une" (Positive gaming, a commitment that unites us).
The event will be held at the Auditorio de la Mutua Madrileña (Pº de Eduardo Dato, 20) and brings together industry leaders, regulators, and stakeholders to address the future of Spain's gaming hall sector.
Opening Session and Regulatory Panel
José Vall, ANESAR's president, will open the congress proceedings. The programme features a keynote panel titled "El juego en positivo: regulación, control y equilibrio para el futuro del sector" (Positive gaming: regulation, control and balance for the sector's future), moderated by Jaime Criado, senior Public Affairs consultant at H/Advisors.
Panel participants include Ramón Cubián, director general of Suelo and delegate of Gaming Regulation and Management for the Madrid Community; Óscar Delgado, director of Joc Privat; and José Antonio Gómez-Yáñez, doctor in Sociology from Estudio de Sociología Consultores, S.L.
Core Programme Elements
Following the coffee break, Juan Lacarra, ANESAR's technical general secretary, will deliver a presentation developing the congress theme: "El juego en positivo. Un compromiso que nos une" (Positive gaming. A commitment that unites us).
The second panel discussion, "El factor humano: construyendo una experiencia de calidad" (The human factor: building a quality experience), will be moderated by Gonçal Aixa, technical secretary of GRECOJOC. Participants include Cristina García, spokesperson and coordinator of the Platform for Sustainable Gaming; sector employees Rocío Aranda from Pause & Play and Luis Miguel Martínez from Joypazar; plus clients Lucía Pulpón and Ángel Villegas.
About GRECOJOC
GRECOJOC (Grup de Recerca en Comunicació i Jocs) is a specialized research group focused on gambling communication studies, based in Catalonia. The organization conducts academic research on responsible gaming practices and serves as a technical advisory body for gaming industry events across Spain.
Closing Programme
The congress will feature closing remarks from José Vall, followed by a presentation from Carlos Andreu, speaker, consultant and headhunter, addressing "Vivir en positivo en tiempos de incertidumbre" (Living positively in times of uncertainty). Ramón Cubián will provide the formal closure before attendees enjoy a cocktail-style lunch.
Industry Consolidation Signal
This comprehensive agenda reflects ANESAR's positioning as the gaming hall sector's primary voice within CEOE (Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations). The emphasis on "positive gaming" suggests the industry is proactively addressing regulatory scrutiny and social responsibility concerns across Spanish jurisdictions.
The inclusion of both sector employees and clients in panel discussions indicates a shift towards stakeholder-inclusive dialogue, potentially signalling preparation for enhanced consumer protection measures or operational standards discussions at regional level. This approach aligns with broader trends seen across Spain's gaming industry, where responsible gambling initiatives have become increasingly prominent.
