ICE Barcelona is planning a bigger regulatory push for its January show in Spain. Organisers say the ICE Barcelona regulators programme is set to bring more officials into the event. The focus is on coordinated action against illegal online gambling.

  • ICE said it expects around 400 regulators to attend the January 2026 event. That would be up from the previous record of 300 regulators at ICE Barcelona 2025. The show runs at Fira Barcelona Gran Via on 19–21 January 2026.

  • The announcement follows a European Casino Association report that put the cost of illegal online gambling at €20bn in annual tax revenues across EU member states. ICE linked the issue to risks for consumers, governments and licensed operators. The programme is positioned as a response to those findings.

  • ICE Portfolio Director Margaret Dunn said: “All of the conversations that we have with our international stakeholders are consistent in confirming the importance they attach to tackling the illegal market.” She added ICE is using “the power and reach of the brand” to support a joined-up strategy. The comments were made alongside details of the updated regulator plans.

  • ICE has created a Regulatory Advisory Board to shape how the event supports policy discussions. Dunn said the board provided guidance on what regulators and stakeholders want from the show. ICE Barcelona regulators are being offered access and formats intended to keep engagement high across the week.

  • The enhanced regulator programme includes access to the ICE World Gaming Gala. ICE also said it will offer discounts for regulators, plus closed-door sessions and working lunches. Organisers described these as practical steps to support discussion away from the show floor.

  • The ‘World Regulatory Briefing’ at the ICE World Gaming Forum will run under Chatham House Rules for 2026. After the opening keynote and panel, the session switches at 11:00am. ICE said the approach is designed to encourage open discussion without attribution.

  • “Combatting the Illegal Market and Protecting Players” is listed as one of six core topics for the ICE World Gaming Forum. The agenda includes discussion on how tighter regulation, tax changes, AML scrutiny and advertising restrictions can interact with illegal-market activity. ICE Barcelona regulators and industry stakeholders are expected to use the forum to compare approaches across jurisdictions.

  • ICE is promoting online registration via its event website, alongside a public agenda page for the World Gaming Forum. The show is part of the wider World Gaming Week schedule in Barcelona, dated 18–23 January. Organisers are directing attendees to icegaming.com for passes and updates.

To register for ICE Barcelona, visit the ICE page.

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