ICE brings together over three days more than 65,000 visitors from 186 countries, with the presence of more than 600 international exhibitors, 200 expert speakers, and over 300 verified regulators, establishing itself as the leading global forum for operators, manufacturers, technology providers, associations, legislators, and regulatory authorities.
The DGOJ has been invited to take part in this edition as a benchmark European regulator, continuing an institutional presence it has maintained for years, back when the fair was held in London, and which has gained special relevance since the event moved to Barcelona in 2025.
DGOJ inaugurates the Sustainable Gambling Zone
The DGOJ’s agenda began today with the inauguration of the Sustainable Gambling Zone, a dedicated space within ICE aimed at promoting safe, sustainable entertainment models focused on user protection.
The opening ceremony was attended by Mikel Arana, Director General for the Regulation of Gambling, who emphasized that safe gambling is a structural priority of Spain’s public policy and highlighted the need to place the player at the center of market design. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of advancing toward gambling environments that integrate risk prevention, clear information, and the ethical use of technology as essential elements of sustainability.
Arana also underscored the importance of international cooperation in an increasingly globalized sector, noting that the risks associated with online gambling know no borders and require coordinated responses among regulatory authorities. In this context, he valued spaces such as ICE Barcelona as fundamental forums for exchanging regulatory experiences and promoting common standards in safe gambling.
Participation in the debate on illegal gambling and digital advertising
The DGOJ also took part as a speaker in the panel “Algorithms, advertising, and the role of platforms in illegal gambling”, focused on the impact of algorithmic systems, digital advertising, and the responsibility of platforms and providers in the expansion of the unauthorized gambling market.
The debate addressed key issues such as the visibility of illegal gambling on social networks and search engines, the responsibility of the B2B supply chain, and the current limitations of control mechanisms against operators acting outside the law.
The day concluded with the DGOJ attending various technical panels on illegal gambling and anti-money laundering prevention, reinforcing its active monitoring of the main international regulatory debates.
Tomorrow, January 20, the DGOJ will continue its institutional agenda as a keynote speaker in the 11:30 a.m. panel “DGOJ Priorities – Coffee and Q&A session with the DGOJ” and will participate in the 12:30 p.m. panel “Regulatory convergence: one market, one shared regulatory vision.”
The DGOJ’s participation in ICE Barcelona 2026 highlights its commitment to international cooperation, the exchange of regulatory knowledge, and the promotion of a safe gambling model, particularly in a context marked by digital transformation and the growing complexity of the online environment.
