Spanish trade body appoints new CEO as bet365 joins board of directors
Public affairs expert Andrea Vota hired to manage Jdigital before operators submit Royal Decree challenge to European Commission
Spanish trade association Jdigital has appointed a new chief executive to lead and represent the country’s online gambling industry.
Madrid-based public affairs veteran Andrea Vota will now lead the day-to-day running of the organisation, having been appointed CEO and director general.
Vota’s appointment was approved by Jdigital members including Paddy Power Betfair, GVC and William Hill, while bet365, Betway and Codere have just joined the board of directors.
Jdigital has ignited a structural overhaul to grow its influence in Spain as the country’s gambling operators face a complicated regulatory situation after the approval of new draft laws.
The country’s government has released a draft version of the Royal Decree on Commercial Communications of Gambling Activities, which expands and updates prior restrictions put in place during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The new draft includes a strict advertising ban, a move Jdigital this month described as “disproportionate and unjustified”.
The trade body, which currently accounts for more than 80% of online operators in Spain, has just presented its counter argument to the Royal Decree to the European Commission.
“I am very grateful to Jdigital for their trust and very happy to be able to contribute my knowledge and experience to the association at such a delicate moment for the sector,” said Vota.
“The online gaming industry faces very important challenges for its survival and we will fight with all available resources to improve any foolish decision that may harm a secure and fully regulated sector, to avoid the destruction of jobs in a moment of economic crisis.
“Therefore, from the association we have a fundamental challenge that is to protect the reputation of a self-regulated sector, which thanks to new technologies offers guarantees to users, consumers and, above all, to the vulnerable population,” he added.
Spain’s online gambling revenue rose by 12.47% year-on-year in Q1 2020 to reach €217.9m (£195m).