Spain Moves to Strengthen Online Gambling Regulation

Spain has taken significant steps to reinforce its gambling regulatory framework, with a renewed focus on tightening controls, promoting safer gambling environments, and enhancing government oversight. During a recent plenary meeting, the Spanish Gambling Policy Council—an influential regulatory and advisory body—formally endorsed the 2024 Gambling Activity Report and examined various proposed legal revisions, notably those concerning operator licensing criteria and the introduction of new player deposit limit regulations.

The session was chaired by Andrés Barragán Urbiola, Secretary General of Consumer Affairs and Gambling, and brought together representatives from Spain’s autonomous communities, local governments, and the General State Administration. The outcomes of the meeting are set to shape the national approach to gambling regulation over the coming year.

Approval of the 2024 Gambling Activity Report

One of the meeting's main outcomes was the unanimous adoption of the 2024 Gambling Activity Report. This report provides a detailed overview of gambling activity across Spain, with the goal of offering transparent and accessible data to public authorities, gambling operators, and citizens alike.

This marks a notable development in Spain’s gambling governance, as it is the first time the report has received unanimous approval from all stakeholders “with competence in the matter,” a phrase used by the Council to underscore the broad consensus and legal authority backing the initiative.

The report serves as an official account of gambling dynamics in Spain, including data on participation rates, regulatory compliance, and the evolving landscape of both land-based and online gambling sectors.

Reviewing new proposals for online gambling and slot machines

In addition to the approval of the annual report, the Council discussed a new proposal addressing the regulation of online gambling and slot machines. This proposal was initially approved by the Joint Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems, an inter-agency group focused on tackling gambling-related harm and addiction.

The proposed measures are aimed at enhancing player protection mechanisms, particularly in digital gambling environments, where risks of addiction and unsupervised play tend to be higher. Slot machines—often associated with compulsive gambling behavior—are also being scrutinized more closely under this proposal.

The Council is expected to review further legislative instruments that might regulate the visibility, accessibility, and advertisement of these gambling products, ensuring compliance with the country’s broader public health and consumer protection goals.

Addressing the risks of youth gambling

During the session, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) presented findings from a study examining the prevalence of land-based gambling among minors. Although the study was well received, the Council did not reach a conclusive agreement on next steps, reflecting the complexity of designing effective measures that involve multiple stakeholders, including schools, families, local authorities, and gambling venue operators.

Nonetheless, the report signals growing concern within the government about underage gambling and the long-term public health implications associated with early exposure to gambling activities. The DGOJ’s findings are expected to inform future proposals focused on educational campaigns, tighter age verification measures, and enhanced supervision of physical gambling spaces.

Strengthening intergovernmental cooperation through the Cooper platform

Another item on the agenda was the Cooper platform, a digital infrastructure initiative aimed at improving coordination between regional and national gambling regulators. The platform is expected to facilitate better data sharing, enforcement of national regulations, and alignment on policy responses to emerging trends in gambling.

Although still in development, Cooper is being viewed as a central component of Spain’s future regulatory toolkit, especially given the fragmented nature of gambling oversight across the country’s 17 autonomous communities.

By enabling more efficient cooperation between jurisdictions, the platform is designed to close regulatory gaps and ensure that player protections and market controls are consistently applied throughout Spain.

Updates to key Royal Decrees governing gambling

The Council also discussed recent modifications to several pieces of legislation that form the legal backbone of Spain’s gambling regulatory regime. These include:

Royal Decree 1614/2011: Governs the licensing and administrative registration of gambling operators in Spain. Updates focus on improving transparency in the application process and tightening eligibility criteria for prospective licensees.

Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation: Serves as the principal legal instrument for regulating gambling activity at the national level. Amendments here address issues such as operator accountability and the implementation of joint deposit limits.

Royal Decree 176/2023: Recently enacted to promote safer gambling environments, this Decree includes provisions related to responsible gambling messaging, player self-exclusion tools, and advertising restrictions.

Together, these changes reflect Spain’s commitment to ensuring a gambling market that is not only competitive but also socially responsible and legally compliant.

The role of the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council

The Responsible Gambling Advisory Council, a separate consultative body overseen by the DGOJ, has also been active in recent weeks. In a separate meeting held shortly before the Gambling Policy Council's plenary session, the Advisory Council discussed long-term strategies to promote safer gambling practices, especially in the online sector.

Topics under discussion included technological tools for monitoring player behavior, the implementation of predictive analytics to identify problematic gambling patterns, and partnerships with healthcare providers for early intervention and treatment.

This ongoing dialogue underscores the Spanish government's intention to treat gambling regulation not only as a matter of market control but also as a public health priority.

Spain's regulatory trajectory in context

The latest initiatives come amid a broader European trend toward more rigorous gambling regulation. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have all taken steps in recent years to tighten controls on online gambling and improve player protection frameworks.

Spain’s approach, however, stands out for its emphasis on collaborative governance—bringing together central government authorities, regional governments, and civil society stakeholders to design and implement regulatory solutions. This model reflects Spain’s decentralized political structure and the need to balance national consistency with local autonomy.

Implications for operators and stakeholders

For gambling operators active in the Spanish market, the new measures signal a shift toward stricter oversight, particularly regarding license compliance and deposit management. Companies will likely need to invest in compliance systems, data transparency protocols, and responsible gambling tools to remain competitive and legally secure in the evolving regulatory environment.

The focus on joint deposit limits—intended to curb excessive gambling across multiple platforms—could also lead to more integrated systems for player monitoring and financial control. Operators may be required to share anonymized data with regulatory bodies or participate in national self-exclusion schemes.

At the same time, consumer groups and public health advocates have welcomed the government’s more active stance, viewing it as a necessary counterweight to the commercial pressures of an expanding gambling market.

Conclusion

Spain’s recent regulatory efforts represent a decisive move toward a more structured, transparent, and responsible gambling environment. By approving the 2024 Gambling Activity Report, introducing joint deposit limits, refining licensing procedures, and expanding oversight through tools like the Cooper platform, the government is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring market integrity.

These developments signal a maturing regulatory landscape that prioritizes consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable populations such as minors and individuals at risk of gambling harm. Through collaborative governance and a focus on evidence-based policymaking, Spain is positioning itself as a model for balanced and proactive gambling regulation in Europe.

As these reforms are implemented, gambling operators, local authorities, and public institutions will need to align with the evolving legal and ethical standards. In doing so, they not only mitigate regulatory risks but also contribute to building a safer and more sustainable gambling industry in Spain.

FAQs

What is the Spanish Gambling Policy Council?
It is a government body responsible for coordinating gambling regulation across Spain, involving both national and regional authorities.

What was approved at the recent Council meeting?
The Council approved the 2024 Gambling Activity Report and discussed new proposals on online gambling and slot machines.

What does the 2024 Gambling Activity Report include?
The report provides an overview of gambling participation, operator compliance, and regulatory trends across Spain.

Why are joint deposit limits being introduced?
To prevent excessive gambling across multiple platforms and enhance player protection through coordinated financial controls.

What is the Cooper platform?
It is a digital tool under development to support intergovernmental cooperation on gambling regulation and data sharing.

What changes were made to Royal Decree 1614/2011?
The decree was updated to refine licensing procedures and increase transparency for gambling operators.

How does Spain regulate underage gambling?
Spain is focusing on studies, age verification, and potential awareness campaigns to address gambling among minors.

What role does the DGOJ play in gambling regulation?
The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling oversees enforcement, licensing, and policy development at the national level.

What is the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council?
It is an advisory body that develops strategies for promoting safer gambling behaviors and preventing gambling-related harm.

How will operators be affected by the new regulations?
Operators will need to enhance their compliance systems, participate in national monitoring schemes, and adapt to stricter advertising and deposit controls.