Spain Advances Responsible Gambling Strategy 2026-2030

The General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, DGOJ), under the authority of Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption, and the 2030 Agenda, has formally renewed and convened the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council. The meeting, which marked the inaugural session of the Council’s newly appointed members, was chaired by Mikel Arana, the Director General for the Regulation of Gambling, who presided over the gathering in his capacity as president of the Council.

This renewal follows the natural expiration of the previous council’s term in May 2024. The DGOJ’s move to renew the advisory council underscores its dedication to fostering a cooperative, multi-sector platform aimed at shaping gambling regulations that prioritize both public health and the protection of consumers.

Composition of the new advisory council

As with previous iterations, the renewed Responsible Gambling Advisory Council consists of a diverse range of representatives. These include officials from the central General State Administration and Spain’s Autonomous Communities. In addition, the Council benefits from the participation of academic experts, medical professionals, and researchers working in the field of gambling addiction and behavioral disorders.

Moreover, the Council includes delegates from institutions, associations, and private organizations within the gambling sector, including licensed operators and civil society groups. This composition ensures a broad range of perspectives are considered in policy discussions, especially as Spain continues to refine its regulatory approach in a rapidly evolving digital gambling landscape.

Objectives of the advisory council

The principal function of the Council is to provide guidance and expert input on matters related to responsible gambling, including the formulation and implementation of strategies that mitigate harm. This includes evaluating existing regulatory measures, proposing new initiatives, and reviewing ongoing programmes for effectiveness and alignment with public health priorities.

By bringing together stakeholders with varying interests—from government officials to gambling treatment specialists—the Council seeks to foster balanced, evidence-informed policies that protect vulnerable consumers while maintaining legal certainty and operational stability for compliant operators.

Presentation of the Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030

One of the focal points of the Council’s recent meeting was the presentation of the draft Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030, a comprehensive strategic document prepared by the DGOJ. This strategic roadmap sets out the main objectives and initiatives that will guide the direction of gambling regulation in Spain throughout the coming four-year period.

The proposed strategy is structured around three central pillars:

• Diagnosis and analysis of the current environment
• Prevention and promotion of safe gambling behavior
• Protection of participants, particularly vulnerable individuals

According to the DGOJ, these priorities are designed to ensure that Spain’s gambling policy remains responsive to social and technological developments, while also addressing emerging public health concerns related to excessive gambling behaviors.

Strategic goals and targeted measures

The draft Safe Gaming Programme sets out six overarching objectives, supported by 22 specific measures intended to guide coordinated public action and regulatory evolution. These include initiatives related to research funding, data collection, public education, and the development of new intervention models for problem gambling.

Among the notable measures are:

• Enhancing the availability and accessibility of national gambling harm statistics
• Strengthening mechanisms for early detection and intervention in cases of gambling disorder
• Increasing public awareness campaigns to educate users about safe gambling practices
• Developing training programmes for professionals in the medical, educational, and social sectors
• Promoting transparency and accountability among gambling operators through strengthened compliance mechanisms
• Fostering digital tools that empower consumers to set limits and monitor their own gambling behavior

These proposed measures reflect an intention to move beyond conventional regulatory enforcement, adopting a broader public health approach that integrates preventive care and community engagement.

Stakeholder consultation and feedback period

The DGOJ has initiated a formal consultation period during which members of the Council may submit proposals, criticisms, or suggestions regarding the Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030. This feedback window will remain open for three months, providing ample time for substantive review and collaborative refinement of the strategic plan.

The Directorate aims to incorporate feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to produce a finalised version of the document by the time of the Council’s next plenary meeting. This iterative process underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive governance, ensuring that the final plan benefits from both institutional knowledge and practical expertise.

Alignment with broader public health goals

The timing of this strategic renewal is significant, occurring within the broader framework of Spain’s 2030 Agenda and national efforts to modernize public policy through data-driven, socially responsive mechanisms. By integrating gambling regulation with overarching social and health objectives, the DGOJ reinforces the principle that gambling regulation is not merely a market oversight issue but a fundamental component of consumer protection and public well-being.

This approach is consistent with trends across the European Union, where member states are increasingly coordinating regulatory responses to online gambling risks, especially among minors and individuals exhibiting signs of problematic gambling behavior. Spain's updated strategy also reflects its obligations under EU law and international standards concerning the prevention of gambling harm.

Role of gambling operators in responsible gaming

While public institutions lead the formulation and implementation of regulatory frameworks, the role of gambling operators remains pivotal. The DGOJ has emphasized the need for private sector actors to take proactive steps in implementing responsible gaming protocols and to engage meaningfully in the national dialogue around consumer protection.

Operators licensed under Spain’s regulatory regime are required to adhere to strict advertising, user verification, and behavioral monitoring rules. The new strategy calls for further cooperation from these entities, including voluntary commitments to improve player safeguards and to participate in public-private initiatives aimed at education, research, and early intervention.

Avoiding unintended consequences and promoting legal certainty

The DGOJ’s consultative approach also seeks to minimize legal ambiguity and avoid the kind of adversarial dynamics that have characterized gambling regulation in other jurisdictions. By involving all relevant actors in the policy-making process—while maintaining clear governmental oversight—the Spanish model aspires to legal certainty and regulatory predictability.

Notably, the DGOJ has been cautious to ensure that all new proposals comply with constitutional principles, respect industry due process rights, and avoid disproportionate regulatory burdens. This deliberate and measured tone is especially important given the increasing litigation risks associated with abrupt regulatory changes in other European markets.

Future steps and expectations

After the consultation period concludes, the DGOJ will gather and evaluate the submitted feedback in order to finalize the Safe Gaming Programme for 2026–2030. This final version is expected to be ratified at the next plenary session of the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council.

Once adopted, the Programme will serve as a blueprint for national gambling policy and regulation, guiding legislative amendments, resource allocation, and enforcement priorities through 2030.

The government’s emphasis on evidence-based practices, participatory governance, and transparency suggests that the new framework may enhance both public trust and regulatory efficacy in an increasingly complex and digital gambling environment.

Conclusion

The renewal of Spain’s Responsible Gambling Advisory Council and the introduction of the draft Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030 mark a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing commitment to fostering a safer and more accountable gambling environment. By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders—from regulatory authorities and regional governments to scientific experts and industry representatives—the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling has signaled a clear intent to address gambling-related risks through collaborative, evidence-based policymaking.

The strategic direction outlined in the Safe Gaming Programme reflects a mature regulatory approach that prioritizes prevention, consumer protection, and public health without compromising legal certainty or operational stability. With 22 targeted measures and a strong framework for stakeholder consultation, the Programme lays the groundwork for sustainable progress in responsible gambling over the next four years.

As Spain moves forward, the effective implementation of these measures will depend on ongoing cooperation between public institutions, healthcare professionals, and the regulated gambling industry. If adopted and executed as intended, the Safe Gaming Programme has the potential to strengthen not only regulatory outcomes but also public trust in the integrity and social responsibility of Spain’s gambling framework.

FAQs

What is the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council in Spain?
The Responsible Gambling Advisory Council is a consultative body composed of public officials, academic experts, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders. It advises the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) on the development and implementation of responsible gambling policies.

What is the purpose of the Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030?
The Safe Gaming Programme 2026–2030 is a strategic framework proposed by the DGOJ to guide Spain’s public policy on responsible gambling. It outlines priorities for risk prevention, player protection, and collaborative engagement with relevant stakeholders over a four-year period.

Who chairs the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council?
The Council is chaired by Mikel Arana, the Director General of the DGOJ. In this role, he presides over meetings and facilitates dialogue among Council members to help shape national gambling policy.

Why was the Advisory Council renewed in 2025?
The renewal follows the expiration of the previous Council’s term in May 2024. A new composition was appointed to ensure continued representation from key sectors and to support the next phase of strategic planning.

What are the main objectives of the Safe Gaming Programme?
The Programme focuses on three core objectives: analyzing the current gambling environment, promoting safe gambling practices, and enhancing protections for vulnerable individuals. These are supported by six general goals and 22 specific policy measures.

How will stakeholders contribute to the Programme's final version?
Council members have been given a three-month period to review and provide input on the draft strategy. Their feedback will be incorporated into the final version of the Safe Gaming Programme, subject to approval at the next plenary meeting.

Does the Programme affect gambling operators directly?
Yes. While it is a public policy document, several of its proposed measures encourage increased cooperation from licensed gambling operators, particularly in areas related to responsible gambling, consumer protection, and data transparency.

Is the Safe Gaming Programme legally binding?
The Programme itself serves as a strategic guide rather than binding legislation. However, it may inform future regulatory amendments or enforcement priorities implemented through Spain’s legal and administrative processes.

What role do healthcare and academic experts play in the Council?
Experts in the fields of medicine, psychology, and behavioral science provide evidence-based insights into gambling-related harm. Their contributions support the development of policies that prioritize public health and effective prevention strategies.

When will the final Safe Gaming Programme be adopted?
The final version is expected to be approved at the next meeting of the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council, following the conclusion of the three-month feedback period and subsequent revisions by the DGOJ.