Jdigital agrees to fair partnership with IBIA

The Spanish gambling union Jdigital has signed a partnership agreement with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

As part of the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded and the organizations will work on projects to promote the Spanish licensed market.

The agreement will also feature projects aimed at strengthening integrity protection measures between Jdigital members with operations in Spain.

The joint activities of the two groups will focus on the ongoing evolution of the Spanish market.

Speaking about the agreement, Jdigital CEO Andrea Vota said: “This partnership is a clear sign of Jdigital's commitment to safe and responsible gaming.

“Betting is the main activity of online gambling in Spain and the industry is committed to keeping this segment safe and secure.

“We are delighted to partner with IBIA, which we see as the best partner in this crusade,” Vota added.

IBIA enters into a similar cooperation agreement with the Swedish trade association BOS. IBIA reported 64 suspicious betting activity alerts during the first three months of 2021, with tennis match alerts accounting for the highest number (17).

“Spain is an important market for IBIA members, many of which are also part of Jdigital,” said IBIA CEO Khalid Ali.

“Therefore, a closer alliance between our associations makes sense, especially given the expected offshore sewer challenges in the Spanish market due to recent advertising and sponsorship restrictions.

“IBIA will work closely with our colleagues at Jdigital to use our unique international data to inform and enhance the integrity of this market and its sporting events,” Ali added.

According to data published by DGOJ, sports betting accounted for over 45% of the total GGR generated in the Spanish market in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Pre-match and in-game betting volume increased quarter-on-quarter by 18.8% and 30.1%, respectively, with a GGR of €103.5m over the period.

Jdigital is currently in the process of appealing against proposals by the Spanish government to severely restrict gambling advertising, including a complete ban on sports betting sponsorship of Spanish league football clubs.