DGOJ outlines updated safe gambling strategy for 2026 to 2030

The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego has introduced a new consumer protection strategy following a recent session of the Advisory Council for Safe Gambling. The meeting, held at the regulator’s headquarters in Madrid, focused on strengthening safeguards for players and refining policies aimed at preventing harmful gambling behaviour.

The initiative reflects a broader regulatory trend across Europe, where authorities are placing greater emphasis on public health considerations, evidence-based policymaking and adaptive oversight frameworks. Spain’s updated approach signals a continued commitment to aligning gambling regulation with evolving technological, social and economic realities.

Leadership and institutional framework

The session was chaired by Mikel Arana in his role as president of the Advisory Council. The Council brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from Spain’s General State Administration, regional authorities and experts from scientific, healthcare and academic institutions.

This multi-disciplinary composition is intended to ensure that policy decisions are informed by diverse perspectives, particularly those grounded in clinical research and behavioural science. By integrating insights from various fields, the Council aims to support the development of balanced and proportionate regulatory measures.

Structure of the Safe Gambling Programme 2026 to 2030

At the centre of the announcement is the Safe Gambling Programme 2026 to 2030, which sets out the regulator’s priorities and strategic direction for the coming years. The programme outlines a structured framework built around three primary pillars:

Analysis and diagnosis

This pillar focuses on improving the understanding of gambling behaviours through data collection, research and monitoring. The regulator aims to strengthen its analytical capabilities in order to identify trends, assess risks and evaluate the effectiveness of existing measures.

Prevention and promotion of safe gambling

The second pillar is dedicated to proactive measures that encourage responsible participation. This includes public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and industry engagement to promote safer gambling environments.

Participant protection

The third pillar centres on direct safeguards for players, including tools and mechanisms designed to reduce potential harm. These measures are intended to ensure that consumers remain protected throughout their interaction with licensed operators.

In total, the programme defines six general objectives and 24 specific measures, each designed to address priority areas identified by the regulator in collaboration with the Advisory Council.

A flexible and adaptive regulatory instrument

According to the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, the programme has been designed as a flexible and adaptable instrument. This allows for adjustments in response to changes within the gambling sector, including technological innovation and emerging research findings.

The regulator has indicated that new measures may be introduced or existing ones refined following consultation with the Advisory Council. This iterative approach is intended to ensure that the framework remains relevant and effective over time.

Such flexibility is particularly important given the rapid pace of change in digital gambling environments, where new products, platforms and user behaviours continue to emerge.

Strengthening research and scientific collaboration

A notable aspect of the programme is the involvement of a dedicated Scientific Section. This group consists of professionals from academic, healthcare and research institutions who will contribute to the development and evaluation of specific actions.

Their role includes supporting evidence-based policymaking, conducting studies on gambling-related harm and advising on best practices. By embedding scientific expertise within its operational processes, the regulator aims to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of its interventions.

This emphasis on research aligns with international best practices, where data-driven approaches are increasingly seen as essential for addressing complex public health challenges.

Key operational measures and initiatives

The programme outlines several concrete actions that the regulator intends to implement in the coming years.

One of the primary initiatives is the creation of a comprehensive catalogue of gambling policies at both international and regional levels. This resource is expected to facilitate comparative analysis and help identify successful regulatory models that could be adapted to the Spanish context.

In parallel, the regulator plans to conduct a detailed review of game design features that may contribute to addictive behaviour. This includes examining elements such as reward structures, speed of play and user interface design. The objective is to better understand how these factors influence player behaviour and to inform potential regulatory responses.

Another important measure is the establishment of a directory of treatment and support services. This initiative aims to improve accessibility to assistance for individuals experiencing gambling-related difficulties, ensuring that support resources are clearly identified and widely available.

The regulator also intends to reassess the existing self-assessment tool used by players to set deposit limits. This review will consider whether the tool remains effective in its current form and whether enhancements are needed to improve user engagement and accuracy.

Communication, education and emerging technologies

Public communication and education form a central component of the strategy. The regulator plans to launch targeted awareness campaigns designed to inform consumers about the risks associated with gambling and the tools available to manage those risks.

In addition, the Advisory Council will host regular thematic conferences addressing key topics within the sector. These discussions are expected to cover emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and the role of loot boxes in video games.

The inclusion of these topics reflects growing attention to the intersection between gaming and gambling, particularly in digital environments where boundaries between the two can sometimes overlap. By addressing these issues proactively, the regulator aims to anticipate potential risks rather than respond to them after they arise.

Legislative context and regulatory evolution

The updated programme builds on the legislative foundation established by Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation, which has played a central role in shaping Spain’s gambling regulatory framework.

Since its introduction, the law has undergone various developments that have contributed to a shift in regulatory priorities. There is now a stronger focus on consumer protection, with policies increasingly designed to place the individual player at the centre of regulatory decision-making.

This evolution reflects a broader recognition of gambling as an activity that requires careful oversight to balance economic interests with social responsibility.

Balancing innovation and consumer protection

One of the key challenges facing regulators is the need to balance innovation within the gambling sector with the protection of consumers. The rapid development of new technologies has created opportunities for operators to enhance user experiences, but it has also introduced new risks.

The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego appears to be addressing this challenge by adopting a measured and consultative approach. By engaging with experts and stakeholders, the regulator aims to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of player safety.

This balanced perspective is likely to be essential as the industry continues to evolve, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital engagement tools.

Conclusion

The Safe Gambling Programme 2026 to 2030 introduced by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego represents a structured and forward-looking approach to consumer protection within Spain’s gambling sector. By combining research-driven insights with practical measures, the regulator has set out a framework that seeks to address both current challenges and future developments.

The emphasis on flexibility, collaboration and evidence-based policymaking suggests a regulatory philosophy that is both cautious and adaptive. While the effectiveness of the programme will ultimately depend on its implementation, the outlined strategy demonstrates a clear intention to prioritise player welfare while maintaining a stable and transparent market environment.

As gambling continues to intersect with digital innovation and changing consumer behaviours, regulatory frameworks such as this will play a critical role in shaping sustainable industry practices. Spain’s approach may also serve as a reference point for other jurisdictions seeking to refine their own consumer protection strategies in an increasingly complex global landscape.

FAQs

What is the Safe Gambling Programme 2026 to 2030?
It is a strategic framework introduced by Spain’s gambling regulator to improve player protection and promote responsible gambling practices over the next several years.

Who leads the Spanish gambling regulator?
The regulator is led by Mikel Arana who chairs the Advisory Council for Safe Gambling.

What are the main priorities of the programme?
The programme focuses on analysis and diagnosis prevention and promotion of safe gambling and participant protection.

How many measures are included in the programme?
There are six general objectives supported by 24 specific measures addressing key regulatory priorities.

Will the programme be updated over time?
Yes the regulator has designed it as a flexible framework that can be adjusted based on new developments and research.

What role does scientific research play in the strategy?
Scientific experts contribute through a dedicated section that supports evidence based policymaking and evaluation.

What new tools or resources are planned?
The regulator plans to create a directory of support services and review existing self assessment tools for deposit limits.

How will the regulator address emerging technologies?
It will organise conferences and discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence and loot boxes.

What is the legal basis for Spain’s gambling regulation?
The framework is based on Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation which has evolved to emphasise consumer protection.

Why is player protection a key focus?
Player protection is central to reducing gambling related harm and ensuring a balanced and sustainable market.