Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has unveiled the Safe Gambling Programme 2026–2030, a comprehensive initiative designed to address emerging risks in the gambling industry and safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly young players. This new action plan replaces the previous Responsible Gambling Programme (2019–2022) and aims to enhance consumer protection amidst the evolving digital landscape.
Adapting to New Risks and Digital Influences
The DGOJ’s updated programme comes in response to a significant shift in gambling patterns over the past few years. Notably, there has been a marked increase in gambling participation among younger demographics, particularly those aged 18 to 25. At the same time, the rapid growth of digital technologies—especially social media, video games, and artificial intelligence—has raised concerns about their role in gambling marketing and product design.
The DGOJ is particularly focused on studying the influence of social media on gambling behaviors, as these platforms have become a key marketing tool within the gambling industry. The new programme includes a €1 million research grant scheme launched in May 2025, which aims to gather data on gambling behaviors and investigate the effects of social media marketing on young people. This will help the DGOJ better understand the risks posed by these platforms and develop effective strategies to mitigate their impact on vulnerable groups.
Strengthening Support for Vulnerable Groups
A core feature of the Safe Gambling Programme is its focus on protecting vulnerable players. The programme highlights the importance of providing accessible resources for individuals at risk of developing gambling problems. This includes public awareness campaigns, guides on risky behaviors, and a comprehensive directory of treatment and support services.
Additionally, the programme will strengthen collaboration with national addiction frameworks such as EDADES and ESTUDES. The DGOJ is also exploring the possibility of integrating gambling monitoring systems with broader public health efforts to better track and support individuals at risk.
Enhanced Gambling Protection Measures
As part of the new programme, the DGOJ is introducing several measures designed to improve player safety. One of the key initiatives is the development of a standardized mechanism for detecting risky online gambling behavior, as mandated by Spain’s Royal Decree 176/2023. This mechanism will help operators identify risky behaviors in a more consistent and standardized way, providing better protection for at-risk players.
The DGOJ is also committed to strengthening the existing player protection tools, such as the national exclusion register (RGIAJ), the Phishing Alert service, and the Protocol for Victims of Identity Misuse (PACS). These tools are intended to provide more robust safeguards for players who are at risk of developing gambling problems or falling victim to fraud.
Evaluating the Impact of Regulatory Changes
The DGOJ’s Safe Gambling Programme will also assess the effectiveness of previous regulatory measures introduced in Royal Decrees 958/2020 and 176/2023. These decrees introduced tighter controls on gambling advertising, session and payment limits, and account suspension protocols. The programme will evaluate whether these measures have had the desired impact and whether they align with European Union directives and international regulatory standards.
The DGOJ is committed to ensuring that its gambling regulations continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges, including the rapid advancement of technology and changing gambling habits. By continuously monitoring the effectiveness of its regulations, the DGOJ aims to create a safer and more secure gambling environment for all players in Spain.
Source:
Se presenta el nuevo Programa de Juego Seguro 2026-2030 en la reunión del Consejo Asesor de Juego Seguro, ordenacionjuego.es, March 2026.
