DGOJ launches consultation on new gambling ad rules

Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, or DGOJ) has formally opened a public consultation on a new set of proposed regulations governing gambling advertising. The consultation invites stakeholders to submit feedback on amendments intended to strengthen player protection and enhance the integrity of gambling communications across the country.

This development marks a significant step in Spain’s ongoing commitment to responsible gaming and consumer safety. It represents a legal refinement of earlier regulations and reflects growing public concern over gambling-related harm, particularly among younger demographics.

Strengthening Spain’s legal framework for gambling regulation

The DGOJ’s proposed legislative amendments focus on commercial communication within the gambling industry. The regulator aims to replace the existing rule requiring promotional messages that “appeal to the responsibility of the player” with new requirements emphasizing the potential risks of gambling, including addiction, financial harm, and risky behavioral patterns.

This shift signals a more direct and informative approach to gambling advertising, one that highlights the potential dangers associated with excessive play rather than merely encouraging responsible participation.

The DGOJ stated that the primary objective of the legislative reform is to ensure that all gambling communications align with Law 13/2011 of May 27, which governs gambling regulation in Spain. According to the regulator:

“The primary objective of Law 13/2011, of May 27, on the regulation of gambling, is to create an appropriate legal framework for the development of gambling activities at the national level, which, among other things, offers legal certainty, protects the public interest, prevents addictive behaviour, and protects consumers.”

This legal framework provides the backbone for Spain’s national gambling policy and ensures that industry operators act within boundaries that promote fairness, consumer awareness, and harm prevention.

Focus on harm prevention and responsible messaging

One of the central pillars of the new proposal involves reinforcing responsible gambling messages. The DGOJ’s new approach calls for mandatory communication of risks associated with gambling. Advertisers would be required to display information that explicitly outlines the possibility of gambling-related harm, including addiction and financial loss.

In addition, the proposed regulation provides detailed guidance on how these messages should appear — covering elements such as:

• Layout and placement within the advertisement
• Contrast and readability to ensure visibility
• Size and font requirements for key messages
• Content accuracy and adherence to factual risk information

These measures aim to ensure that harm prevention messages are not buried within marketing materials or presented in an unclear or misleading way. Instead, they will be required to appear prominently and legibly, ensuring that consumers can easily understand the risks before engaging with gambling services.

Public consultation process now open

The DGOJ has officially invited stakeholders, industry participants, advocacy groups, and members of the public to provide their views on the proposed regulation. Submissions can be made through the DGOJ’s website before November 26, 2025, after which the feedback will be reviewed and integrated where appropriate into the final legislative draft.

The regulator emphasized the importance of this open consultation in fostering transparency and collaboration between the government, the gaming industry, and the public. The process aligns with Spain’s broader administrative commitment to participatory regulation, allowing those affected by legislative changes to have a direct say in their development.

Spain’s evolving gambling landscape

Spain’s gambling market has undergone significant transformation in recent years. After a temporary ban on welcome bonuses, 2024 saw these promotional offers return, which in turn contributed to a 20% rise in gambling activity across the country.

At the same time, Spain’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) grew by 18.6% in Q2 2025, reaching approximately €1.35 billion ($1.57 billion). This marked one of the strongest quarterly performances in recent memory and highlighted the continued growth of regulated online gambling.

However, this upward trend has also prompted heightened scrutiny from regulators and consumer protection advocates, particularly regarding the social impact of gambling and its potential effects on vulnerable populations.

Concerns about underage exposure and gambling normalization

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has repeatedly expressed concern about underage exposure to gambling. The Ministry recently pointed to a lack of educational awareness about gambling risks among minors, warning that early exposure through gaming and advertising could increase vulnerability to addiction.

In response, Spain launched a public awareness campaign earlier this month focused on loot boxes in video games, which have been widely criticized for resembling gambling mechanics. The campaign aims to educate parents and minors about the potential dangers of spending real or virtual currency on randomized rewards, which could normalize gambling behavior at an early age.

This broader policy movement underscores the Spanish government’s intent to tackle gambling-related risks holistically, addressing both traditional betting environments and emerging digital ecosystems that may influence player behavior.

Industry implications and legal context

For gambling operators and marketing agencies, the DGOJ’s consultation represents an opportunity to shape the future regulatory environment — but also a warning that stricter controls are likely forthcoming.

Should the proposed amendments be adopted, gambling companies operating in Spain will need to revise their advertising materials to comply with the new requirements. This could include reformatting ad templates, redesigning promotional banners, or developing new risk messaging strategies that align with the regulator’s standards.

Failure to comply may expose operators to administrative sanctions, fines, or even temporary suspension of advertising privileges. Consequently, many industry observers anticipate a period of legal adjustment as operators interpret and implement the updated communication standards.

From a legal standpoint, these proposed measures are consistent with European Union (EU) trends emphasizing responsible advertising, particularly following guidance from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), which has long advocated for standardized responsible gaming frameworks across member states.

Reinforcing Spain’s reputation for responsible gambling regulation

Spain has established itself as one of Europe’s most mature and well-regulated gambling markets. The DGOJ’s ongoing initiatives reinforce this reputation, signaling that the Spanish government is prepared to adapt its laws to new behavioral and technological realities.

By mandating transparent, evidence-based communication about the risks of gambling, Spain aims to protect players and maintain public trust in the licensed gambling sector. Such proactive regulation is viewed favorably by both consumer advocates and international observers, who often cite Spain as an example of balanced gambling governance that prioritizes both market health and social responsibility.

Balancing economic growth and social responsibility

While gambling contributes significantly to Spain’s economy through tax revenue, job creation, and technological innovation, policymakers are acutely aware of the social costs associated with problem gambling.

The DGOJ’s latest consultation seeks to strike a balance between economic benefits and public welfare. By updating the advertising framework, the regulator aims to ensure that gambling remains a legitimate form of entertainment — not a source of social harm.

If successfully implemented, these new regulations could serve as a blueprint for other jurisdictions, offering a model for how nations can modernize advertising laws without stifling business growth or innovation.

Outlook and next steps

The DGOJ’s public consultation will remain open until late November, after which a comprehensive report summarizing stakeholder feedback will likely be published. The regulator will then proceed to draft final legislation, which could be enacted in early 2026, subject to parliamentary review and approval.

As the consultation continues, the broader gambling ecosystem — including operators, advertising agencies, and consumer protection groups — will be watching closely to see how the final rules shape the future of Spain’s gambling communications landscape.

The DGOJ’s initiative reaffirms Spain’s ongoing commitment to building a safe, transparent, and socially responsible gambling environment, where innovation and protection coexist within a fair and legally sound framework.

Conclusion

Spain’s decision to open a public consultation on its updated gambling advertising regulations marks a decisive step toward a more responsible and transparent gaming environment. By focusing on clear risk communication and consumer protection, the DGOJ is not only reinforcing existing legislation but also adapting it to the evolving realities of modern gambling behavior and digital marketing.

The proposed measures underscore Spain’s commitment to balancing economic opportunity with social responsibility, ensuring that the country’s gambling industry continues to grow within an ethical and legally sound framework. The consultation process provides a valuable platform for dialogue between the regulator, operators, and the public — promoting collaboration and shared accountability.

Ultimately, the success of these reforms will depend on effective enforcement, industry compliance, and ongoing public education. If implemented as intended, Spain could further solidify its position as one of Europe’s leading examples of safe, responsible, and well-regulated gambling governance, where player welfare remains at the heart of policy decisions.

FAQs

What is the DGOJ?
The DGOJ, or Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, is Spain’s national gambling regulator responsible for overseeing online and land-based gambling activities.

What is the purpose of the new consultation?
The consultation seeks public feedback on proposed updates to gambling advertising laws to enhance consumer protection and responsible gaming.

When does the consultation close?
The public consultation is open until November 26, 2025.

What changes are being proposed?
The amendments require gambling advertisements to include mandatory warnings about potential harms, replacing the current focus on general player responsibility.

Who can participate in the consultation?
Any interested party, including operators, advocacy groups, and individual citizens, can submit opinions via the DGOJ’s website.

Will this affect gambling companies in Spain?
Yes, operators will need to update their advertising materials to comply with the new communication and design requirements once adopted.

How does this fit within Spain’s gambling laws?
The proposed rules align with Law 13/2011, which regulates gambling activities and ensures protection against addictive behavior.

Why is the DGOJ focusing on advertising now?
The regulator aims to address rising concerns about gambling harm, particularly given recent increases in activity and underage exposure.

What is Spain doing about gambling risks among minors?
Spain has launched a public awareness campaign about loot boxes and continues to strengthen education around gambling risks.

When could the new regulations take effect?
Depending on the outcome of the consultation and legislative process, the final rules may take effect in early 2026.