Spain Launches Comprehensive Safe Gambling Program for 2026-2030

Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has unveiled its latest Safe Gambling Program 2026-2030, marking a shift from a “responsible gambling” model to a more consumer-centric “safe gambling” approach. The program, introduced at a meeting of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling in Madrid, focuses on prevention, improved control mechanisms, and an evidence-based approach to mitigating gambling harms.

Key Priorities and Objectives

The Safe Gambling Program 2026-2030 is structured around three core priorities:

• Analysis and Diagnosis: Focuses on understanding gambling-related risks through research, prevalence surveys, and data analysis.
• Prevention: Aims to promote safe gambling habits through information campaigns and educational initiatives.
• Participant Protection: Directly protects players by reinforcing existing tools and addressing emerging risks.

These priorities are supported by six overarching objectives and 24 specific measures, which will be refined in consultation with the DGOJ’s advisory body, the Consejo Asesor. The program is adaptable and multi-annual, allowing for adjustments based on its evolution and potential regulatory changes.

Addressing Emerging Trends and Vulnerable Groups

The DGOJ’s decision to reassess consumer protections was prompted by several market developments since 2019. These include the concentration of revenue among a small number of major operators and a significant increase in online gambling participation, particularly among young adults aged 18-25. Approximately 6.29% of the Spanish population between 18 and 25 years old engaged in gambling activities during the period analyzed, with digital formats being the predominant method of access.

The program also recognizes the growing influence of digital innovation, including social media, video games, and artificial intelligence, on gambling marketing and product design. The DGOJ is specifically studying the impact of social media on gambling patterns and will develop a standardized mechanism for detecting risky online gambling behavior, as mandated by the 2023 Real Decreto.

Investment in Research and Existing Tools

To build a robust evidence base, the DGOJ launched a €1 million research grant scheme in May 2025. The program integrates existing tools such as the General Registry of Gambling Access Bans, fraud detection systems, and protocols against identity theft.

Shift in Approach: From ‘Responsible’ to ‘Safe’ Gambling

A key change is the shift in terminology from “responsible gambling” to “safe gambling.” This reflects a broader focus on systemic responsibility rather than solely relying on individual player behavior. The new model places the consumer at the center of policy.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Alongside the Safe Gambling Program, Spain has been active in other regulatory areas. Albania recently moved to reopen online sports betting under strict standards after legalizing it in February 2024, while Better Collective has expanded into the prediction markets targeting US audiences.