DGOJ announces €1m fund for gambling harm studies

The Spanish government has unveiled a significant public funding initiative aimed at tackling the societal and psychological impact of gambling. Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, or DGOJ) has launched its 2025 research grant initiative, offering more than €1 million in financial support for studies focused on the prevention and analysis of gambling-related harm. This move comes amid heightened enforcement actions and strengthened regulatory cooperation across Europe.

Funding initiative aligned with Spain’s broader social agenda

Published in the Official State Gazette on May 17, 2025, the announcement outlines that a total of €1.05 million (approximately $1.18 million) has been allocated to support scientific and academic studies dedicated to understanding and mitigating the harmful effects of gambling. This funding initiative aligns with Spain’s commitment to responsible gambling and supports wider social policy objectives set by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030.

The grant scheme is built upon Regulatory Order CSM/472/2022, which defines the operational and legal framework for the funding initiative. The order ensures transparency, accountability, and the strategic alignment of funded research with Spain’s public health and consumer protection policies.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants eligible for the funding include public and private research entities operating within Spain, along with certified non-profit organizations that hold established cooperation agreements. This opens the door to a wide spectrum of academic institutions, health and social services organizations, and independent research entities working in relevant fields.

All proposals must be submitted no later than June 18, 2025, with approved projects required to be completed by June 30, 2026.

Priority research areas identified by DGOJ

To ensure that the research directly addresses the most pressing challenges in the gambling space, the DGOJ has defined six priority research lines. These include:

Early detection and intervention

Studies under this focus area are expected to investigate early warning signs and risk factors associated with the onset of problematic gambling behaviors. Research may explore psychological, behavioral, and technological indicators that could be leveraged for early intervention.

Social and psychological consequences of gambling

This category encourages interdisciplinary research into the societal ramifications of gambling, such as its impact on family dynamics, mental health, community well-being, and financial stability. The psychological toll, including anxiety, depression, and addiction, will also be central themes.

Gender-specific impacts

The DGOJ recognizes that gambling does not affect all populations equally. Gender-focused research is sought to better understand how gambling harm manifests differently among men, women, and non-binary individuals. Such insights could lead to more effective, tailored prevention and treatment programmes.

Gambling and gaming convergence

As the lines between video gaming and gambling continue to blur, particularly through mechanics like loot boxes and microtransactions, the DGOJ seeks to fund research examining these intersections. Proposals may assess how gaming elements contribute to gambling-like behavior and potential addiction pathways.

Game design and structural characteristics

Another vital research direction concerns the structural and psychological design of gambling products such as poker, lotteries, slot machines, and sports betting. Understanding how these games are engineered to stimulate continued play — and potentially contribute to problem gambling — is crucial for informing future regulatory measures.

Broader public health frameworks

This category invites macro-level research on how gambling harm fits into larger public health and policy frameworks. These studies may explore systemic approaches to prevention, treatment accessibility, and community resilience.

Reinforcing consumer protection through research

The DGOJ’s funding initiative reflects a strategic shift toward evidence-based policymaking. With gambling disorder increasingly recognized as a public health issue, the Spanish regulator aims to generate robust, peer-reviewed research that can inform future regulatory reforms and enhance consumer protection.

“The intention behind this programme is to better understand the dynamics of gambling harm, which allows us to respond more effectively through prevention and policy,” stated a spokesperson for the DGOJ. “Funding independent research is an essential step toward protecting the well-being of consumers, especially vulnerable populations.”

Heightened enforcement underscores urgency of action

The launch of the research funding scheme follows a significant wave of regulatory enforcement. In May 2025, the DGOJ imposed penalties totaling €77.4 million on 14 unlicensed gambling operators found to be illegally serving Spanish consumers. These fines included multiple €5 million penalties and a particularly steep €10 million fine. Additionally, two-year bans from the Spanish market were issued against the sanctioned companies.

These enforcement measures underscore the regulator’s commitment to clamping down on unlicensed operations and ensuring that only compliant entities operate within Spain’s legal framework. Consumer protection, legal compliance, and market integrity remain central pillars of the DGOJ’s mission.

Spain’s international cooperation on gambling regulation

In addition to domestic efforts, Spain continues to engage with international counterparts in addressing the challenges of regulating a fast-evolving gambling landscape. Earlier this year, the DGOJ participated in forums organized by the UK Gambling Commission, promoting cross-border collaboration on regulatory best practices, enforcement strategies, and research.

The DGOJ also held its first-ever national anti-money laundering (AML) meeting in collaboration with gaming sector stakeholders, further enhancing Spain’s role in safeguarding the integrity of its gambling industry.

Submission details and how to apply

Applicants can find detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application forms through the DGOJ’s official online portal and the National Subsidy Database. The submission process is fully digital, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all prospective participants.

The DGOJ has emphasized that all proposals must include a robust methodology, clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a timeline that ensures project completion within the 12-month funding window.

In addition to academic rigor, applications will be evaluated based on their relevance to policy development, public interest, and potential for practical implementation.

Conclusion

Spain’s 2025 research grant programme marks a significant and proactive step in addressing the growing concerns surrounding gambling-related harm. By allocating €1.05 million to fund independent, evidence-based research, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling is reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting responsible gambling practices.

This initiative not only underscores Spain’s dedication to aligning its gambling policies with broader social and public health goals but also highlights the importance of academic and institutional collaboration in shaping effective, data-driven regulation. As gambling continues to evolve — with increasing digital integration and convergence with gaming — the need for timely, comprehensive research has never been more critical.

Through this grant scheme, Spain is fostering a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, and structural dimensions of gambling harm. The knowledge gained from these studies will help inform future policy, enhance regulatory measures, and ultimately ensure a safer gambling environment for all.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the DGOJ’s 2025 research grant scheme?
The purpose is to fund research focused on understanding and mitigating gambling-related harm in Spain through evidence-based studies.

Who can apply for the grant?
Public and private research institutions based in Spain, as well as eligible non-profit organizations with collaborative agreements, can apply.

What is the total amount of funding available?
The DGOJ has allocated €1.05 million for the 2025 grant programme.

What are the priority research areas?
Key areas include early detection of gambling harm, social impacts, gender differences, links to gaming, structural game features, and public health frameworks.

When is the deadline to apply?
The submission deadline for grant proposals is June 18, 2025.

When must the funded research projects be completed?
All projects must conclude by June 30, 2026.

What legal framework supports this grant programme?
Regulatory Order CSM/472/2022 provides the legal foundation for the 2025 research grant initiative.

How can applicants submit their proposals?
Proposals must be submitted via the DGOJ’s online portal and the National Subsidy Database.

Why is Spain focusing on gambling-related research now?
Spain is addressing the growing concern of gambling harm through enforcement, research, and international collaboration to strengthen consumer protections.

How does this programme fit within broader government policy?
It aligns with Spain’s national social and consumer protection strategies under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030.