Key Moments:
- The 43rd Ordinary General Assembly of ANESAR has gathered major industry members in Madrid
- The Spanish gaming arcade sector currently comprises 3,600 venues and 30,060 slot machines
- As of October 15, 2025, the ANESAR Training Plan has recorded 8,725 students and 16,539 enrollments
Opening Sessions and Governance
The Spanish Association of Gaming and Recreational Hall Entrepreneurs (ANESAR) held its 43rd General Assembly in the Carlos Ferret Salat room of CEOE, Madrid. The meeting saw a strong turnout of members focused on shared reflection and setting forward-looking goals grounded in responsible action and transparent data.
Javier Calderón, serving as Director of Companies and Organisations at CEOE, initiated the proceedings. The agenda addressed statutory obligations, including the approval of previous minutes, financial accounts, budget confirmations, and the endorsement of the Annual Report of Activities.
Sector Strategy and Industry Advocacy
José Vall delivered the president’s report, highlighting the importance of equipping the industry with evidence and arguments to advocate for the sector. Vall outlined a strategy centered on anticipation, information readiness, and coordinated messaging to underscore the industry’s commitment to legality and responsible gaming.
Juan Lacarra, ANESAR’s technical general secretary, provided a regulatory overview, touching on key operational topics such as sanctioning procedures, venue hours, biometric controls, and recruitment challenges.
Industry Data and Dynamics
The Assembly showcased vital sector statistics in its “Key Data and Sector Dynamics” presentation. Currently, there are 3,600 gaming arcades in operation (reflecting more than 240 closures over the past four years) and 30,060 slot machines. Data presented indicated an average spending per visit of €16, with 85% of patrons accompanied by family or friends, and 60% being men around the age of 30.
Employment statistics highlighted the industry’s role in supporting over 47,000 jobs, encompassing both direct and indirect employment. With real estate investments totaling €260 million, gaming arcade operators remain among the largest investors in Spain’s leisure sector. The sector also collects in excess of €320 million annually in taxes, benefitting a wide cross-section of society.
| Key Industry Figures | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Gaming Arcades | 3,600 |
| Slot Machines | 30,060 |
| Average Spend per Visit | €16 |
| Supported Employment | 47,000+ |
| Annual Tax Contribution | €320,000,000+ |
| Real Estate Investment | €260,000,000 |
| ANESAR Training Students | 8,725 |
| Training Enrollments | 16,539 |
Expert Contributions and Assembly Conclusion
Discussion during the Assembly included expert perspectives on political and regulatory issues facing the sector. Jaime Criado of ACENTO contributed analysis on the broader political environment and potential sector impacts. ANESAR Vice Presidents Enric Sanahuja, Raúl Rubio, and Antonio Fornés shared additional insights into pressing challenges for gaming operators.
The meeting concluded with official remarks from Ramón Cubián, Director General of Land and Delegate for Gaming Regulation and Management of the Community of Madrid, joined by Gracia Martín Duarte and their team, formally closing the 43rd Ordinary General Assembly.
- Author
Daniel Williams
