Jdigital agrees integrity-led partnership with IBIA
Spanish trade body to promote channelisation to licensed operators in Spain
Spain’s gambling trade union Jdigital has inked a partnership agreement with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
The partnership framework encapsulates a memorandum of understanding and will see the organisations work on projects to promote Spain’s licensed market.
The agreement will also see projects focused on increasing integrity protection measures between Jdigital members with Spanish-facing operations.
Joint activity between the two groups will be focused on the continuing evolution of the Spanish market.
Speaking about the agreement, Jdigital director general Andrea Vota said: “This partnership is a clear sign of Jdigital’s commitment with safe and responsible gambling.
“Betting is the main activity of online gambling in Spain and it is the industry’s will to keep this segment a safe, trustworthy one.
“We are excited to start collaborating with IBIA, who we consider the best partner in this crusade,” Vota added.
The IBIA operates a similar collaboration agreement with Swedish trade association BOS. The IBIA reported 64 suspicious betting activity alerts during the first three months of 2021, with alerts on tennis matches accounting for the largest number of alerts received (17).
“Spain is an important market for IBIA members, many of which are also part of Jdigital,” IBIA CEO Khalid Ali said.
“A closer alliance between our associations therefore makes perfect sense, especially with the expected offshore channelisation challenges to the Spanish market from the recent advertising and sponsorship restrictions.
“IBIA will be working closely with our colleagues at Jdigital to utilise our unique international data to inform and enhance the integrity of that market and its sporting events,” Ali added.
Sports betting accounted for more than 45% of total GGR generated in the Spanish market in Q4 2020, according to figures released by the DGOJ.
Pre-match and in-play bets increased in volume quarter-on-quarter by 18.8% and 30.1%, respectively, with GGR amounting to €103.5m in the period.
Jdigital is currently in the midst of an appeal against Spanish government proposals to heavily restrict gambling advertising, including a blanket ban on sports betting sponsorships of Spanish league football clubs.