Spain Reopens Consultation on Gambling Risk Detection System
Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) has reopened a public consultation on a centralised system to identify online gamblers showing signs of risky behaviour. The consultation opened on Tuesday and will run until 22 October 2026.
How the Proposed System Will Work
Under the proposal, all nationally licensed online gambling operators must run an automated assessment during the first seven days of each month. The system will analyse players’ account activity over the preceding 183 days.
The assessment will follow four stages and examine approximately 48 indicators. These include deposits, withdrawals, betting patterns, session duration and product preferences. The system will also consider the use of self-exclusion tools and cancelled withdrawals.
A predictive model will calculate a risk score for each player. Operators will flag accounts that exceed a specified threshold for intervention. However, the system will exclude external data sources, including social media, browsing history and detailed financial or health records.
Restrictions for Players Identified as at Risk
Players identified as exhibiting risky behaviour will face several restrictions under Royal Decree 176/2023. Operators must notify them of their classification and explain the factors behind the decision.
Players must also contact their operator within 72 hours. If they fail to do so, the operator must suspend their gambling accounts until they comply.
Operators must also restrict promotional offers, VIP services and certain marketing communications. The proposal will prohibit credit card payments and require operators to verify payment methods.
Data Protection and Right to Appeal
The DGOJ has prepared a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) to address privacy concerns surrounding automated profiling. Players will be able to challenge inaccurate data and dispute how operators apply the rules.
If a complaint remains unresolved, players can escalate it to the regulator. The DGOJ will also conduct periodic assessments and independent technical audits to evaluate the system’s effectiveness.
Industry Concerns Over Costs and Accuracy
The first consultation round in 2025 attracted feedback from operator associations, suppliers, gambling operators and player advocacy groups.
Implementation and operating costs emerged as key concerns. Stakeholders challenged the DGOJ’s estimated cost of €130,000 per operator.
Participants also questioned the model’s accuracy for activities influenced by skill, such as poker and sports betting. They also raised concerns about data protection.
Read also: Dutch Gambling Authority Raises Concerns Over 711 Withdrawals
Building on Existing Gambling Regulations
Royal Decree 176/2023 requires operators to implement systems that detect risky gambling behaviour. However, it allows each operator to develop its own models and indicators.
The DGOJ now aims to establish a harmonised approach across Spain’s nationally licensed online gambling sector. The proposed framework seeks to improve consistency in risk detection and strengthen player protection.
Spain Expands Its Safer Gambling Strategy
The consultation forms part of Spain’s wider safer gambling efforts. In March 2026, the DGOJ published its Safe Gambling Programme for 2026–2030.
The programme highlights concerns about loot boxes, social casino products and other hybrid gaming features. These features could normalise gambling behaviour among minors and young adults.
Earlier in 2026, the regulator also announced a grant programme to support research into gambling prevention, effects and risks.
The renewed consultation gives industry stakeholders another opportunity to comment on the proposed system before the regulator decides on the next steps.
