This week, Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) announced a comprehensive new Safe Gambling Programme. The initiative aims to implement new measures to protect youngsters from gambling harms, especially in times when online casinos are surging in popularity.
New Phase for Spain’s Gambling Law
The programme is on track to run from 2026 through 2030. It will mark a significant expansion to Spain’s regulatory approach as authorities respond to a rapidly changing gambling landscape shaped by digitalisation, mobile access and new forms of online engagement.
According to the regulator, it should build on previous campaigns, including earlier responsible gambling programmes. It also presents a broader, more adaptive framework designed to address emerging risks.
One of the key goals behind the initiative is to better protect minors and vulnerable individuals. Overall, this remains a core objective under Spain’s gambling law and policy framework.
Officials say the updated programme is supposed to reflect both accumulated regulatory experience and a growing body of scientific research into gambling-related harms.
Focusing on Social Media and Youth
A defining element of the new strategy is the focus on the role of social media and digital ecosystems and how they shape gambling behaviours, especially among younger demographics.
Regulators plan to analyse how gambling operators use platforms such as social networks, streaming services and other online communities to reach audiences, as well as how this content influences perceptions and participation. The initiative also seeks to understand the broader cultural impact of gambling-related content circulating online.
Authorities have highlighted that young people are among the most active users of these platforms, making them especially vulnerable to exposure. As a result, the programme aims to generate evidence that could support stricter controls on advertising practices and more effective safeguards against harmful engagement.
Three Key Points
The programme is structured around three main priorities: analysis and diagnosis, prevention, and the promotion of safe gambling environments.
Under the first element, the DGOJ will put more effort into understanding the prevalence of gambling, evolution of player profiles and factors associated with problematic behaviour. This will happen by analysing trends such as the increasing concentration of gambling activity among a small group of high-spending users and the growing importance of online channels.
Meanwhile, the prevention pillar focuses on raising awareness about potential gambling risks while also promoting safer behaviours. Here, measures include the launch of educational materials, public information campaigns and practical guides to help individuals recognise early signs of gambling-related issues.
Last but not least, the third focus point is about strengthening player protection by improving safeguards in gambling environments. This can be accomplished by improving the tools used to identify problematic behaviour and by bolstering the support systems available to those impacted.
Stronger Role for Scientific Expertise
Besides the new programme, the government has also introduced reforms to the Safe Gambling Advisory Council, which should cement its role as a key consultative body to the DGOJ.
The new and improved structure will focus more on scientific input, with a permanent section comprising experts from academic, healthcare, and research institutions specialising in gambling-related disorders.
This body will contribute to the development of evidence-based policies, provide expert analysis and help assess the effectiveness of regulatory measures. It will also facilitate collaboration between public authorities, industry stakeholders and civil society organisations.
Switching to a More Structural Approach
Spanish authorities have underlined that the new programme reflects a shift in regulatory philosophy. Instead of focusing solely on individual responsibility, the approach will now consider structural factors such as game design, accessibility, marketing strategies, and the broader environment in which a gambling activity takes place.
This outlook has been backed by recent legislative developments, such as rules on advertising and safer gambling environments, which should help reduce the likelihood of harmful behaviours before they emerge.
This way, the government will now concentrate on anticipating risks, identifying patterns of problematic play, and intervening earlier through coordinated policy measures.
A Flexible, Long-term Strategy
The Safe Gambling Programme 2026–2030 contains 24 specific measures and is designed to be a flexible, multi-year framework that can evolve with time
The regulator has highlighted that ongoing evaluation will be key, as regular assessments will allow policymakers to refine measures and quickly respond to new developments such as advances in technology or changes in consumer behaviour.
The programme may also be extended beyond its initial timeframe, reflecting its role as a long-term strategy rather than a fixed policy document.
Addressing Broader Market Obstacles
The launch of Spain’s new gambling prevention initiative arrives at a time of broader concerns about the structure of the gaming market, including the concentration of revenue among a relatively small number of players and the emergence of new consumption patterns linked to sites.
By utilising research, prevention, and regulation, DGOJ will attempt to develop a more resilient model that would reduce gambling-related harms and ensure that the casino sector operates under the scope of a robust consumer protection system.
