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Two resorts in Spain reported bomb blasts on Sunday just one month before scheduled online gambling conferences were to take place in Barcelona.
The 7th Annual European i-Gaming Congress and Expo was to be held September 23-25. An online gambling affiliate conference was scheduled the same week.
Two small bombs blamed on Basque separatist group ETA exploded at tourist resorts in southern Spain on Sunday, authorities said. No injuries were reported, but more than 10,000 people were evacuated from a harbor area.
It is the height of the summer tourist season in Spain, and ETA has previously carried out attacks in vacation areas at this time of year in an effort to disrupt tourism. The tourist season extends through October.
ETA operates mainly in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country, Navarre, and (to a lesser degree) Madrid, Barcelona, though there were no immediate indications that ETA was planning an attack in Barcelona.
Gambling911.com has pulled out covering the Barcelona events as a precautionary measure. Its Senior correspondent, Jenny Woo, was slated to appear at CAP Euro.
"Online gambling interests are advised to exercise caution," said Gambling911.com Senior Editor, Payton O'Brien. "Stay out of clubs and bars where large gatherings of people are expected," she further warned. "Likewise stay out of popular restaurants during peak lunch hours and dinner time."
As an extra precaution, online gambling interests should consider staying at hotels that are "lower profile".
"Big name resort type and conference hotels may be considered too risky."
The best bet, O'Brien says, is to stay in one's hotel room, order room service and only attend conference events that are of special interest. High floor rooms are recommended.
"Attendees should be safe by simply erring on the side of caution."
Eta has been fighting since 1968 for an independent Basque homeland in northern Spain and southern France.
The group has been blamed for killing more than 825 people.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
