The ICE Barcelona 2025 fair, the world's largest online gambling event, has sparked significant controversy in Spain. Its debut in the Catalan capital faced backlash from various sectors, criticizing the inconsistency between public policies against gambling addiction and support for such a large-scale event. elDiario.es, in a critical article, highlighted the fair's most controversial aspects and the societal tensions surrounding this industry.
The event brought together over 600 companies and 55,000 professionals from 170 countries, making it one of Barcelona's biggest congresses of the year.
However, criticism escalated following comments from the Síndic de Greuges, who remarked: “It’s a blatant contradiction to deploy excellent policies against gambling addiction while hosting and co-financing the world’s largest event aimed at gambling, casino, and betting professionals.” The Catalan Federation of Drug Dependencies also condemned the event, emphasizing the risks linked to the gambling industry’s growth.
The article describes the fair as a dazzling space filled with neon lights, music, slot machines, and luxury. Yet, this splendor contrasts sharply with the “responsible gambling” area, a modest section aimed at mitigating criticism of the industry. Valentina Bagniya, Marketing Director of Softswiss, acknowledged the sector's challenges: “40% of Generation Z believes gambling is unacceptable.” Nevertheless, the event showcased efforts to attract new users through “social gambling” and tools promoting “safe gambling.”
ICE Barcelona 2025 highlights the complex relationship between the gambling industry's expansion and efforts to address its social impacts.
