Castilla-La Mancha is preparing a new moratorium that would block the granting of new casino authorizations from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031, extending its restrictive gambling policy by five years. The measure is included in the Draft Law on Administrative and Tax Measures for 2027, meaning that as of September 15, 2026 it has not yet received final approval.
The proposal adds a new fifth additional provision to Law 5/2021, of July 23, on the Administrative and Tax Regime of Gambling in Castilla-La Mancha, while preserving exceptions for applications already under review. The draft was submitted for public consultation through a resolution dated August 6, 2026, published in the DOCM on August 10, with public participation open from August 11 to 31 and a feedback phase running from September 1 to 14. The Decree 284/2023, of December 19, remains in force and governs authorizations for 2024-2027, restricting new gambling establishments. That framework also limits new Type B gaming machine authorizations in hospitality venues to 100.
Juan Alfonso Ruiz Molina
Authority to approve casinos rests with the Council of Government of Castilla-La Mancha, while regulatory administration is handled by the Directorate-General for Taxation and Gambling Regulation. As of September 2026, the regional government is led by Emiliano García-Page Sánchez; Juan Alfonso Ruiz Molina heads the Ministry of Finance, Public Administrations and Digital Transformation; and Susana Pastor Pons serves as Director-General for Taxation and Gambling Regulation.
Susana Pastor Pons
The restrictive policy coexists with previously initiated projects. On June 23, 2026, the Council of Government authorized a casino in Illescas, Toledo, under an already initiated application. In Ontígola, Toledo, another casino had been authorized on July 19, 2022 and received an extension on September 16, 2025.
The draft justifies the new restriction on grounds including protection of minors, vulnerable groups, public health and concentration of gambling supply. A study by the University of Castilla-La Mancha involving 403 people aged 16 to 35 found participation rates of 72.5% for lotteries, 55.5% for bingo, 41.6% for sports betting, 40.5% for roulette and 34% for poker.
