Following an unlawful poker gathering in Mallorca, the court upholds a €150,000 penalty.
Spanish Court Slaps Hefty €150,000 Fine on Man Accused of Hosting Underground Poker Games
The Spanish judicial system has bolstered its stance against illegal gaming activities following a recent court ruling. A Spanish court has imposed a €150,000 penalty on an individual accused of organizing private poker tournaments in his residence on Mallorca. The news broke in local media outlets.
Tough Gambling Policies in Spain
Gambling activities in Spain are governed by stringent legal guidelines. The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) is responsible for regulating both online and brick-and-mortar gambling platforms, requiring them to secure official licenses to operate legally. This includes not only professional gaming operators but also individuals hosting private gaming events, such as poker tournaments, which need approval under the law to proceed legally.
Violating these regulations can lead to severe penalties. Offenders may be liable to fines of up to €600,000, depending on the nature of the offense. Participants in such unlawful activities can also be subject to fines.
Mallorca too enforces strict gambling regulations. In March 2023, the Balearic Parliament passed new measures to restrict underage and vulnerable individuals from accessing gambling facilities and instituted a comprehensive advertising ban on gambling.
During the man's latest online poker tournament, police discovered €20,000 in cash along with incriminating data on a computer. This evidence, according to the court, demonstrated that the defendant earned a living by facilitating illegal gaming events, despite the event's private nature. Absent any official approval, the activity was considered illegal gambling under Spanish law.
Not an Isolated Incident in Mallorca
In May, the Spanish National Police targeted a German couple who consistently organized gaming events they asserted were legal at the Bahía Mediterráneo restaurant in Palma de Mallorca.
During a raid on one such event dubbed Casino Royale, the authorities seized gambling-related items. The entry fee for the event, which included drinks and 500 chips, was reportedly €49 per person. The event organizers maintained that the gatherings were simply themed parties and no real money was involved.
Should they be found guilty, the couple faces a potential fine ranging from €30,001 to €450,000 according to Balearic gambling laws. Participants could also be fined between €3,001 and €30,000.
The news of the hefty fine serves as a reminder to individuals hosting private gaming events in Spain to abide by the law, as violations can result in significant fines. The discovery of €20,000 in cash and incriminating data at the man's latest poker tournament further highlighted the seriousness of illegal gambling activities in Mallorca.
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