La Rioja's director general of taxation has outlined a pragmatic approach to gambling regulation, emphasising development over dramatic legislative changes during his first year in office. Jesús Ángel Garrido revealed his strategic priorities in an exclusive interview with AZARplus at the recent Interazar conference.
Regulatory Evolution Over Revolution
With approximately one year in his role as director general de Tributos de La Rioja, Garrido has adopted a measured stance on regulatory reform. Rather than pursuing wholesale legislative changes, his administration focuses on maximising the potential of existing frameworks.
"We are not seeking to change the Law, but to develop it so that it reaches its full potential."
— Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General de Tributos de La Rioja
The current legal structure provides a solid foundation for his approach.
"The law was approved in the previous legislature; we understand it is a stable framework with which we are comfortable."
— Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General de Tributos de La Rioja
This stability allows his team to focus on developing regulations that provide clarity and security for operators and players alike.
Transparency as Policy Foundation
Garrido has implemented quarterly sector reporting as part of broader transparency initiatives.
"We are committed to transparency; we provide quarterly information on how the Sector is performing because it is important to provide those figures that frame it in our region."
— Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General de Tributos de La Rioja
This data-driven approach forms part of his strategy to improve relationships between administration, industry, and society through clear communication.
Consultative Framework Development
Central to Garrido's plans is establishing a consultative body, which he describes as the cornerstone of his current initiatives.
"To unite all voices around Gaming to create the broadest possible consensus."
— Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General de Tributos de La Rioja
This "cornerstone" (already translated in text, but this quote remains in Spanish) represents his commitment to consensus-building across all gambling industry stakeholders, ensuring broad input on regulatory matters.
La Rioja Gaming Context
Technology Integration Focus
Garrido's Interazar visit yielded practical insights into technological solutions. He expressed particular interest in biometric access control systems, technology already being advanced through new orders published in the BOR.
"I was very interested in everything related to biometric access control."
— Jesús Ángel Garrido, Director General de Tributos de La Rioja
His vision encompasses implementing tools that are "safe, guaranteeing, and effective" to support public health objectives, ensuring technology serves users rather than creating barriers.
Regulatory Pragmatism in Practice
Garrido's approach signals a shift toward incremental, consensus-driven regulatory development in Spanish regional gambling markets. His emphasis on stakeholder consultation and technological integration could provide a template for other jurisdictions seeking balanced regulatory evolution without disrupting established frameworks, similar to approaches seen at Spain's premier gaming industry congress.
