- Founded
- 1982-01-01 in Spain
- Headquarters
- Calle Diego de León, 50, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Founded in 1982, ANESAR (Asociación Española de Empresarios de Salones de Juego y Recreativos) is Spain's national trade association for gaming hall and amusement arcade operators. It represents over 3,600 gaming halls, more than 80,000 gaming positions, and an estimated 18,200 direct jobs, contributing over €200 million annually in gaming taxes. The association operates a confederate structure that includes both territorial associations and individual companies, from small family-run arcades to the country's largest operators. Since 2013, ANESAR has been a full member of the Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE), Spain's leading business confederation, giving it a direct voice in national business policy discussions. Its mission is to defend member interests, promote a positive public image of gaming halls as responsible leisure venues, and foster self-regulation through quality and responsible gaming certifications. Flagship initiatives include the Certificado de Calidad y Responsabilidad Garantizada, a voluntary certification scheme, and the annual Congreso de Salones de Juego, a key industry event. The association is headquartered in Madrid and led by President José Vall and Secretary General Juan Lacarra.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
ANESAR was established in 1982 as a unified voice for Spain's fragmented arcade and gaming hall operators. Before its creation, individual businesses faced regulatory challenges without collective representation. The devolution of gambling regulation to Spain's 17 autonomous communities made a national umbrella organization essential.
Evolution and Structure
Over four decades, ANESAR grew from a small mutual-aid group into a professionally managed trade body. Its integration into CEOE in 2013 significantly boosted its political influence. The association operates a confederate structure: territorial gaming associations and individual companies – from small family-run arcades to large operators – are affiliate members, strengthening its national reach.
Key Initiatives
ANESAR's flagship Certificado de Calidad y Responsabilidad Garantizada is a voluntary certification that audits member venues for responsible gaming practices, staff training, customer service, and security. Venues such as GoldenPark have held this certification for eight consecutive years as of 2026. The association also runs a continuous training programme for employees, focusing on problem gambling detection, customer interaction, and regulatory compliance. The annual Congreso de Salones de Juego, now in its 14th edition (scheduled for May 2027), brings together operators, regulators, suppliers, and international speakers. ANESAR also organizes the Premios al Juego Responsable y RSC, annual awards recognizing responsible gambling and CSR initiatives.
Advocacy and Public Positions
ANESAR regularly issues statements on labour, taxation, and licensing matters. For example, President José Vall commented on absenteeism data in the gaming sector in July 2026, responding to a Randstad report. The association promotes responsible gambling through awards and public communications.
Financials and Funding
ANESAR is funded by member dues and congress fees. It does not disclose its own balance sheet, but the sector it represents generates over €200 million in gaming taxes annually. The association employs a small permanent staff under the Secretary General, supplemented by elected board members from member companies.
Key Products
Congreso ANESAR
Flagship annual industry event bringing together operators, regulators, and suppliers for discussion, networking, and awards.
Certificado de Calidad y Responsabilidad Garantizada
A voluntary certification program establishing operational and social responsibility standards for gaming salons, audited and renewed periodically.
Juego en Positivo
An institutional campaign and core communication brand promoting the social and economic benefits of regulated gaming salons, focusing on responsible leisure, employment, and safety.
Premios al Juego Responsable y RSC
An annual awards program recognizing excellence in responsible gambling practices and corporate social responsibility among arcade operators and individuals.
Formación continua ANESAR
A training programme for arcade employees covering responsible gaming, customer service, regulatory compliance, and safety.
Congreso de Salones de Juego
Annual industry conference for operators, regulators, and suppliers, featuring panels, workshops, and networking.
Key Persons
José VallPresident (Presidente)