by Renee Israel
eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance), the independent
player protection and standards organisation, has been accredited by the new
Spanish gambling regulator to test and certify i-gaming software and security of
information systems for the Spanish gambling market.
The accreditation of eCOGRA for the Spanish market comes soon after a
similar position was achieved in Italy by its local regulator AAMS when it
became recognised as a full testing agency.
Commenting on the newly regulated Spanish market and accreditation of eCOGRA
for the Spanish market, Andrew Beveridge, eCOGRA Chief Executive Officer stated,
"It appears that a harmonised EU regulatory environment is unlikely to be
achieved in the near future, and operators, software suppliers and testing
agencies are currently faced with the formidable challenge in meeting the
different jurisdictions' compliance requirements.
"In this environment, eCOGRA is very conscious of the need to fulfil our
clients' expectations and the associated audit risks, and we are continually
developing our auditing approach to ensure that operator and software supplier
clients realise benefits that include:
• A streamlined and efficient audit process ensuring reduced delays in
licensing in new jurisdictions and minimal disruptions to the rollout of new
products and system changes.
• Reduced testing through a single audit of common regulations across
multiple jurisdictions, with possible and consequential annual cost benefits.
• Compliance work performed by professional and industry experienced auditors
with a thorough understanding of the operational and regulatory environments.
• Comfort that a familiar testing agency with a proven reputation for
integrity and competence is performing the testing work and
• Competitive testing agency fees."
Strict Criteria for Spanish Gambling License
Spain is a newly opened up gambling market and the Dirección General de
Ordenación has stressed the need for comprehensive testing as one of the
criteria to be awarded a stage one gambling license in Spain. To receive a
license, applicants will need to undertake a comprehensive assessment process of
games and platforms, to be performed by a testing organization recognised by
authorities in Spain.
Once the stage one license has been granted, applicants will be required to
undergo an all-encompassing inspection of its operations systems, games and
facilities. They then have four months to prepare for the final licensing
process.
The demand for testing services in the Spanish market is expected to be
substantial as the Spanish online gambling market expands. Established in 2003,
eCOGRA is a leader in the areas of player protection, fair gaming operator
responsibility, providing advisory and compliance services.
