Spain's gaming hall association ANESAR used its annual congress to mount a robust defence of land-based gaming venues, emphasising their positive social and economic contributions whilst calling for proportionate regulation that supports business stability.
The Spanish Association of Gaming Hall and Recreational Operators (ANESAR) held its 13th Gaming Hall Congress at Madrid's Mutua Madrileña Auditorium under the theme "Gaming in positive, a commitment that unites us."
Defending Land-Based Gaming's Social Value
ANESAR president José Vall positioned the congress as a platform to reclaim the narrative around land-based gaming venues, moving beyond negative perceptions to highlight their legitimate role in Spanish society.
“This year we wanted to vindicate positive gaming: talking about a legal, regulated activity that is fully integrated into society; talking about companies that generate employment and economic activity; and also talking about the value that our establishments contribute as leisure and social interaction spaces, with a strong human component.”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
The congress brought together industry stakeholders, regional administrators, and security forces representatives from across Spain, demonstrating the sector's institutional engagement.
ANESAR Association Overview
ANESAR represents over 200 gaming hall operators across Spain, managing approximately 4,000 gaming machines and employing around 8,000 people directly. The association was founded in 1993 and has become the primary voice for land-based gaming venues in regulatory discussions with regional governments.
Regulatory Balance as Key Priority
Vall emphasised the need for effective regulation whilst warning against disproportionate measures that could undermine business confidence and investment. The Spanish Gaming Exec Calls Problem Gambling 'Collateral' Issue approach reflects similar industry perspectives on regulatory proportionality.
“We believe that regulatory measures must respond to criteria of proportionality, legal certainty and effectiveness, because companies need stability to be able to invest, modernise and continue generating employment.”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
The association's approach reflects broader industry concerns about regulatory uncertainty affecting long-term business planning and modernisation efforts across Spanish gaming halls.
Strategic Dialogue and Sector Unity
ANESAR positioned itself as a collaborative partner with authorities whilst maintaining its advocacy role for member businesses. The Grupo Díaz Carbajosa backs ANESAR Congress for thirteenth time demonstrates consistent industry support for the association's advocacy efforts.
“ANESAR will continue working from institutional dialogue, from collaboration and from loyalty with administrations and with the entire sector, but always with the defence of gaming hall companies' interests as our main objective.”
— José Vall, ANESAR President
Congress Programme and Key Discussions
The event featured structured discussions on regulation, human factors in gaming, and sector development. Opening addresses came from Vall and CEPYME general secretary María Teresa Gómez Condado.
A roundtable titled "Positive gaming: regulation, control and balance for the sector's future" included Ramón Cubián, general director of Land and delegate for Gaming Management in Madrid, alongside industry experts and sociologist José Antonio Gómez-Yáñez.
ANESAR technical general secretary Juan Lacarra delivered the keynote address elaborating on the congress theme, highlighting the sector's human dimension and collaborative culture despite competitive pressures.
A second roundtable examined "The human factor: building a quality experience," featuring industry employees, sustainability platform representatives, and customer perspectives.
Industry Recognition and Closure
The congress included tributes to Carlos Chacón and Manuel Jiménez, described as significant figures in Spanish gaming development, demonstrating the sector's emphasis on recognising industry pioneers.
Speaker Carlos Andreu concluded substantive sessions with a presentation on "Living positively in times of uncertainty," before Cubián provided closing remarks.
Strong Industry and Institutional Support
The congress attracted 27 sponsors across multiple categories, indicating robust industry backing. Premium sponsors included Luckia, Merkur Doshiha, MGA Industrial, Novomatic Spain, PEJ, Sportium, and Unidesa. The level of sponsorship mirrors the support seen at the EGT España Sponsors 13th ANESAR Congress on Responsible Gaming.
Regional representation came from Castilla y León, Madrid, Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarra, Murcia, and Catalonia, alongside national and regional police forces.
Specialised media partners included Revista Azar, AzarPlus, InfoPlay, JocPrivat, El Recreativo, Sector del Juego, and Gaming Intelligence, demonstrating comprehensive sector engagement.
27
Congress Sponsors
13th
Annual Congress Edition
8
Regional Representations
7
Media Partners
Strategic Positioning for Industry Future
ANESAR's congress strategy reflects the association's efforts to reframe public discourse around land-based gaming, emphasising economic contributions and social integration rather than defensive positioning against regulatory pressure.
The emphasis on "positive gaming" values and human-centred approaches suggests the sector is adapting its messaging to align with broader social responsibility trends whilst maintaining advocacy for operational flexibility. The strong institutional and sponsor participation indicates ANESAR maintains significant influence within Spanish gaming policy circles, positioning the association as a key stakeholder in future regulatory developments affecting land-based venues.
ANESAR aims to shift public perception of land-based gaming venues from negative stereotypes to recognition of their legitimate social and economic contributions. The campaign emphasizes employment generation, economic activity, and the role of gaming halls as social interaction spaces.
The association maintains institutional dialogue and collaboration with administrations while advocating for proportionate regulations. ANESAR seeks regulatory measures based on proportionality, legal certainty, and effectiveness to ensure business stability for investment and modernization.
The congress attracted representation from eight Spanish regions including Castilla y León, Madrid, Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarra, Murcia, and Catalonia. National and regional police forces also participated, demonstrating broad institutional engagement across Spain's gaming jurisdictions.
According to AzarPlus.
