Spain and Canary Islands discuss underage gambling protection

The Spanish and Canary Islands governments have commenced a series of high-level discussions aimed at introducing stronger protections against gambling-related harm for minors. The initiative forms part of broader reforms under Law 2/2025, which addresses public administration governance and child protection. The collaborative effort seeks to align regional and national legislation while ensuring regulatory consistency across Spain.

Background on Law 2/2025

Law 2/2025 has been described by Spanish authorities as a multifaceted legal instrument designed to tackle pressing public administration issues, including the reduction of temporary employment contracts within the public sector. Beyond these administrative reforms, the legislation contains critical provisions aimed at protecting children and adolescents from gambling-related risks.

The law reflects a growing concern among policymakers over the normalization of gambling among young people. In recent years, Spain has observed an increase in gambling activity, particularly among adolescents, fueled in part by aggressive marketing strategies and digital engagement platforms. Following the reinstatement of welcome bonuses by online gambling operators, Spain recorded a 20% rise in gambling activity, drawing renewed attention to the risks faced by minors.

Formation of a bilateral cooperation commission

To address potential conflicts between national and regional regulations, the Spanish Ministry of Territorial Policy and the Government of the Canary Islands have established a bilateral cooperation commission. This commission is tasked with identifying legal discrepancies and proposing joint solutions to harmonize the regulatory framework.

Ángel Víctor Torres Pérez, Spain’s Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, and Manuel Domínguez González, Vice President of the Canary Islands, lead the working group. Their mandate includes reviewing both national and regional statutes to ensure that public administration reforms do not inadvertently compromise child protection measures related to gambling.

“The objective is to establish a coordinated approach that ensures consistent and effective enforcement of protections for minors across all regions,” officials said during preliminary discussions.

Regulatory focus on gambling-related risks

While Law 2/2025 encompasses wide-ranging administrative reforms, its provisions concerning gambling have drawn particular attention. The law imposes stricter oversight measures to mitigate the exposure of minors to gambling-related content and promotional activities.

Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has repeatedly highlighted the growing risks of adolescent gambling, especially in light of the increased use of digital platforms and social media marketing. Authorities have noted that influencer-led promotions and streaming services often blur the lines between entertainment and gambling advertising, making it difficult for minors to discern the risks.

Recent studies conducted by Spanish regulators indicate that teenagers are more frequently exposed to online betting through gaming content, live streaming platforms, and social media influencers who incorporate gambling-related messaging into their content. The Ministry has called for stronger restrictions on such promotions and closer monitoring of compliance by operators.

Canary Islands alignment with national efforts

The Canary Islands have proactively developed measures to complement Spain’s national gambling regulations. Regional authorities have introduced initiatives aimed at curbing adolescent gambling, including campaigns to educate parents and schools about the risks of early exposure to betting activities.

Vice President Manuel Domínguez González emphasized the importance of regional compliance with national standards, stating, “We must ensure that our young population is not inadvertently exposed to gambling risks. By aligning with Spain’s national policies, the Canary Islands can reinforce protective measures and promote responsible behavior among minors.”

The regional approach also includes monitoring the online behavior of young individuals and implementing stricter access controls on gambling websites. Canary Islands regulators are considering enhanced licensing requirements for operators, ensuring that all gambling services comply with both regional and national standards.

Digital platforms and influencer marketing under scrutiny

Spanish authorities have increasingly expressed concern over the role of digital platforms and influencer marketing in promoting gambling. Experts have noted that social media and streaming platforms often present gambling as an entertaining activity, leading to a desensitization effect among adolescents.

Research commissioned by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs suggests that teenage exposure to gambling-related content is often indirect and difficult to regulate. Influencers frequently engage in sponsorship arrangements with gambling operators, promoting betting services subtly within gaming content or lifestyle videos. This practice, combined with the gamification of betting apps, has heightened the risk of early gambling habits forming among minors.

Authorities have called for stronger transparency measures, including mandatory disclaimers and age-verification protocols, to prevent underage access. Law 2/2025 serves as a legislative framework to support these protective measures, ensuring that digital engagement does not undermine child welfare.

Collaborative approach to legal harmonization

The cooperation commission established under Law 2/2025 will also address potential conflicts between national and regional legislation. Historically, differences in regulatory interpretation have created challenges for operators and enforcement authorities alike. By adopting a coordinated approach, both governments aim to streamline compliance requirements while strengthening protections for minors.

Ángel Víctor Torres Pérez highlighted the significance of legal harmonization, stating, “Consistency between regional and national regulations is essential. Without it, enforcement becomes fragmented, and the protections intended by law may fail to reach the most vulnerable populations.”

The commission is expected to draft a set of recommendations by mid-2026, which will guide both legislative and administrative measures across Spain and the Canary Islands. These recommendations may include revisions to licensing protocols, advertising restrictions, and enhanced monitoring of digital gambling platforms.

Public administration reforms and social impact

Beyond gambling-related measures, Law 2/2025 addresses broader public administration challenges, including the reduction of temporary employment contracts. Spanish authorities argue that stabilizing public sector employment will enhance administrative efficiency and allow for more effective regulatory oversight.

By integrating child protection measures into a wider governance framework, the law seeks to create a holistic approach to social welfare. Experts note that reducing administrative vulnerabilities, such as understaffed regulatory bodies, directly impacts the government’s capacity to enforce gambling restrictions and monitor compliance.

The combination of administrative reforms and child protection measures represents an innovative attempt to link governance efficiency with social responsibility, ensuring that public administration reforms support the broader goal of safeguarding minors.

International context and best practices

Spain is not alone in grappling with the challenges of underage gambling. Across Europe, governments are increasingly focused on the intersection of digital marketing, social media influence, and adolescent gambling exposure. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and France have implemented stricter advertising regulations and digital access controls, providing models for Spain and the Canary Islands.

Experts suggest that Spain’s approach, which combines legal harmonization with public administration reforms, may serve as a benchmark for other countries seeking to address similar risks. The inclusion of a bilateral cooperation commission is particularly notable, as it ensures that regional differences do not compromise national policy objectives.

Looking ahead

As Spain and the Canary Islands continue their negotiations, stakeholders anticipate a phased rollout of measures under Law 2/2025. This includes both administrative reforms and targeted interventions to protect minors from gambling-related harm.

Authorities have indicated that the success of these initiatives will depend on robust enforcement, ongoing monitoring, and active collaboration between national and regional bodies. Public awareness campaigns and digital monitoring are expected to play a central role in preventing early exposure to gambling among minors.

“The welfare of our youth must remain a top priority,” said Minister Torres Pérez. “We are committed to implementing measures that prevent harm, promote responsible engagement, and ensure a safe environment for all children in Spain and the Canary Islands.”

The ongoing discussions underscore a growing recognition that legislative frameworks must evolve in step with digital innovations and societal trends. By addressing both regulatory and social dimensions, Spain and the Canary Islands aim to establish a comprehensive model for safeguarding minors against gambling-related risks.

Conclusion

The ongoing discussions between the Spanish and Canary Islands governments reflect a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling underage gambling. By combining public administration reforms with targeted child protection measures, Law 2/2025 seeks to address both regulatory and social dimensions of the issue. The establishment of a bilateral cooperation commission ensures that regional and national regulations are harmonized, reducing legal inconsistencies and strengthening enforcement.

As digital platforms and influencer marketing continue to blur the lines between entertainment and gambling, proactive measures by authorities are essential to safeguard minors. The collaborative framework not only prioritizes the welfare of young people but also enhances the overall effectiveness of public administration reforms.

Ultimately, the initiative represents a significant step forward in responsible gambling regulation in Spain, setting a precedent for other regions and countries facing similar challenges. By aligning legislative efforts with social awareness campaigns and technological monitoring, Spain and the Canary Islands aim to create a safer environment where minors are protected from the risks associated with gambling, while ensuring consistent and enforceable legal standards.

FAQs

What is Law 2/2025 about?
Law 2/2025 addresses public administration reforms and includes measures to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Who is leading the discussions between Spain and the Canary Islands?
Ángel Víctor Torres Pérez and Manuel Domínguez González lead the working group coordinating national and regional efforts.

Why is underage gambling a concern in Spain?
Teenagers are increasingly exposed to gambling through online platforms and influencer marketing, which can normalize betting behavior.

What role does the bilateral cooperation commission play?
The commission resolves discrepancies between national and regional regulations to ensure consistent enforcement of gambling protections.

How are digital platforms involved in gambling promotion?
Social media influencers and streaming services often integrate gambling content into entertainment, making it difficult for minors to distinguish it from regular content.

What measures are the Canary Islands taking to protect minors?
Regional authorities are implementing education campaigns, online monitoring, and stricter licensing requirements for gambling operators.

Has Spain observed changes in gambling behavior recently?
Yes, there has been a 20% increase in gambling activity following the reinstatement of welcome bonuses by operators.

How does Law 2/2025 connect public administration reform with child protection?
By reducing temporary employment and improving administrative efficiency, the law strengthens the government’s ability to enforce gambling protections.

What international practices influence Spain’s approach?
Spain looks to countries like the UK, Sweden, and France, which have implemented stricter advertising restrictions and digital access controls.

When will the commission finalize its recommendations?
The bilateral cooperation commission is expected to draft recommendations by mid-2026 to guide both legislative and regulatory measures.