Spain now requires gambling payment methods to be in the player's own name
Spain's Royal Decree 813/2026 took effect on 28 October 2026 and requires licensed online gambling operators to check that the holder of the payment method used for deposits and withdrawals is the holder of the gaming account. It applies at once to new accounts, and iGaming Business reports existing players have until 28 April 2027.
Offshore casinos that accept South African players commonly ask for proof that a card or bank account is in your own name before they pay out, and a withdrawal held up over a relative's card is a frequent complaint. Spain is now writing that practice into law for its licensed market, which shows where regulators are heading. It does not apply here, and no South African operator is licensed for online casino games, but it is a sensible habit to copy: deposit only from methods registered in your own name, and expect identity checks.
What changed in Spain
Spain's Royal Decree 813/2026 was approved on 7 October, published in the official gazette (BOE) on 8 October and came into force on 28 October 2026. It amends a batch of financial-sector regulations, including the anti-money laundering rules. For gambling, the decree changes article 21 so that operators check the holder of the payment method used for deposits and withdrawals is also the holder of the gaming account.
The decree's own preamble says the aim is to avoid the unwanted effects of the earlier wording. A verified account is no longer enough on its own; each card, bank account or payment gateway has to be tied to the player.
Deadlines and what happens to balances
According to iGaming Business, which cites the news agency EFE, the check applies straight away to new accounts. Existing customers have until 28 April 2027. In the meantime they can keep depositing and playing, but cannot withdraw until the match is confirmed.
If no match is verified by the deadline, iGaming Business reports that operators must close the account, tell the regulator (the DGOJ) and return the full balance, including any winnings that were held back. We have read the decree text for the rule and dates, but the transition detail comes from the trade report and we have not seen it in the gazette wording.
Why operators are worried
The trade press notes that operators must overhaul their systems and contact customers, with no detailed official guidance yet. The industry association Jdigital has asked for an interpretive guide. The April deadline also lands a month after Spain's planned nationwide deposit limit of 700 euros a day, expected in March 2027.
What it means for South African players
Nothing changes in South Africa because of this decree. The practical lesson is about habits. If you play at an offshore site, use a card, bank account or wallet registered to you, and have your ID and proof of address ready. Our guides on FICA-style verification and Capitec Pay deposits explain what to expect.
What to watch next
Watch for the DGOJ guidance Jdigital has asked for, and for how many Spanish accounts are locked or closed as April 2027 approaches. Other regulators often copy rules that look workable.