TLDR Spain unveiled its Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030 at a meeting of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling in Madrid The program shifts from a “responsible gambling” model to a broader “safe gambling” approach focused on consumers It is built on three priorities: analysis and diagnosis, prevention, and participant protection The strategy includes 6 general objectives and 24 specific measures with a flexible multi-year structure There is a special focus on protecting vulnerable groups, especially youth, backed by scientific research
Spain has officially launched its Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030. The new strategy aims to improve player protection and reduce harm linked to gaming over the next five years.
The program was revealed during a meeting of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling. The session took place at the headquarters of the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, known as the DGOJ, in Madrid.
Mikel Arana, the Director General, chaired the meeting. The council includes members from government agencies, universities, health organizations, and the gaming industry.
The strategy follows changes made to Spain’s 2011 Gambling Act in both 2020 and 2023. These amendments laid the groundwork for the new direction in regulation.
One of the biggest changes is a shift in language and approach. Spain is moving away from the term “responsible gambling” and toward what it calls “safe gambling.”
This is more than a name change. The new model puts the consumer at the center of policy. It places more responsibility on the system itself rather than on individual players.
Three Core Priorities Drive the Strategy
The program is organized around three main areas. The first is analysis and diagnosis of gambling-related risks. The second is prevention and promotion of safe gaming habits. The third is direct protection of participants.
Within those areas, the strategy includes