Spain's Gambling Regulator Takes Massive Strides to Enhance Player Safety
Spain Announces Ambitious Strategy for Secure Betting Through Established Advisory Council
The Spanish gambling watchdog, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), has leveled up its efforts to safeguard gamblers and promote responsible gaming with a slew of transformative measures.
Introducing a Fresh, Expert-Laden Council — Say Hello to the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council 2.0!
On June 19, the DGOJ hosted the inaugural meeting of its revamped expert panel. This group of top-tier individuals, hailing from government, healthcare, universities, and the gambling industry, bring with them valuable expertise in gambling addiction research, rule enforcement, and regulated gaming operations, respectively. The previous council's term ended in May, paving the way for this fresh, updated lineup. With new technology and societal shifts influencing gambling trends, the time was ripe for a reboot.
Presenting the Safe Gambling Program 2026-2030: A Roadmap to a Safer Gambling Experience in Spain
The primary focus of the meeting centered around the outline of the ambitious new Safe Gambling Program. This blueprint, currently in draft form, lays out the regulations the DGOJ intends to implement over the next four years. The program encompasses three key segments: an evaluation of modern gambling dynamics, strategies to bolster player protection, and robust steps to safeguard vulnerable gamblers.
One thrust of this program is the implementation of central deposit limits. Upon approval, licensed operators in Spain will see a new limit on daily deposits set at €600 (around $691) and weekly deposits capped at €1,500 (approximately $1,727). This measure aims to control excessive spending and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm by limiting the potential for excessive loss accumulation.
AI and Tighter Ad Rules: Tacking Risky Behavior Head-On
To further safeguard players, the DGOJ plans to employ the advancements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify and mitigate potential risky gambling behaviors. Operators will likely be compelled to incorporate AI systems that can pinpoint users exhibiting indicators of problem gambling and subsequently offer personalized help and interventions.
Additionally, the DGOJ is giving gambling advertising rules a makeover. Possible amendments include time restrictions on disseminating gambling advertisements and barring celebrity endorsers or social media influencers from ad campaigns. Stricter oversight of affiliate websites and comparison sites is also on the table to minimize the appeal of gambling offerings to susceptible audiences.
Earmarking over €1 million to Fund University Studies: Investing in Research to Combat Gambling Addiction
To strengthen its evidence-driven policy-making, the DGOJ is allocating over €1 million ($1.2 million) to fund research projects at various universities. Researchers in this area will study the gambling habits of young people, gender differences in gambling behaviors, and the connection between gaming and gambling, among other topics.
The revamped Responsible Gambling Advisory Council has three months to deliberate on and comment on the draft plan, with a goal of approving the final version at the next meeting. These reforms, based on combination of technological progress, thoughtful regulation, and improved research, seek to create a safer, more responsible gaming landscape in Spain for the next four years.
Take note: The Safe Gambling Program is not targeting casual gamblers but aims to protect vulnerable players and those at risk of addiction.
Sources
- McIntosh, D. (2022). Spain unveils plans to regulate sports betting, casino, and poker on the internet. European Gaming Media and Events.
- European Gaming Media and Events. (2022). Spanish gambling regulator targets risky behavior with AI and tighter ad rules.
- Callejas, G. (2022). Spanish regulator sets up new responsible gambling advisory council. Callejas Consulting.
- The Spanish gambling regulator, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), is assembling a revamped Responsible Gambling Advisory Council to provide expert guidance on policy-and-legislation related to responsible gambling, as they endeavor to create a safer gaming environment and combat problem gambling.
- In an effort to reduce gambling-related harm, the DGOJ intends to enforce the implementation of central deposit limits, with daily deposits set at €600 ($691) and weekly deposits capped at €1,500 (approximately $1,727), for licensed operators in Spain, as part of their ambitious Safe Gambling Program 2026-2030.
