New Council, Renewed Mandate for Safer Gambling
Spain’s Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has formally convened the newly renewed Responsible Gambling Advisory Council, with a focus on strengthening safe gambling measures across the country. The session, chaired by DGOJ Director General Mikel Arana, marked the start of a new four-year agenda that places public health, prevention, and policy innovation at the heart of Spain’s gambling oversight.
The Council draws from a diverse mix of professionals, including government representatives, regional officials, healthcare experts, academics, and industry stakeholders. This multidisciplinary composition reflects Spain’s commitment to collaborative policymaking, particularly in the context of rising concerns about gambling-related harm.
Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030: A Strategic Blueprint
The centerpiece of the meeting was the presentation of the draft Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030. This forward-looking document outlines Spain’s strategic direction over the next four years in terms of:
Analytical updates on the national gambling environment
Preventive initiatives designed to reduce gambling-related disorders
Protection of vulnerable groups, including minors and those with addictive behavior patterns
The draft lays out six overarching objectives and twenty-two targeted measures, aiming to institutionalize evidence-based practices and heighten inter-agency collaboration. These include efforts to improve data collection, enhance early intervention systems, and modernize regulatory enforcement through digital tools.
Next Steps: Feedback and Consensus Building
Members of the newly appointed Council now have three months to evaluate the draft and provide their recommendations. The final version of the program will be submitted for approval in the next Council session. Once approved, the roadmap will serve as the guiding public policy framework for Spain’s responsible gambling efforts until 2030.
This measured approach reinforces the DGOJ’s intention to create a participatory process while simultaneously aligning national policy with broader EU directives on gambling safety and consumer protection.
Background: Recent Regulatory Activity
The launch of the Council and the draft program follows a period of intensified enforcement in Spain’s gambling market. The DGOJ recently imposed financial sanctions on 14 operators for illegal wagering activities—signaling a tougher stance on non-compliance and reinforcing the need for systemic reform.
Spain continues to refine its gambling laws in the face of a shifting digital ecosystem. With advertising restrictions, loot box regulation, and affordability checks gaining momentum across Europe, the Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030 positions Spain as a proactive leader in responsible gaming governance.
Conclusion: Setting the Tone for a Safer Decade
As gambling behaviors evolve with digital innovation, the DGOJ’s renewed Council and strategic roadmap underscore Spain’s resolve to prioritize public health and regulatory foresight. The next three months will be critical for shaping a comprehensive, stakeholder-endorsed plan that balances economic interests with the imperative of consumer protection.
