In Spain, identifying harmful activity has been a top regulatory focus, particularly since the DGOJ’s planned nationwide, mandatory method was approved. This breakthrough is a major step in improving the application of responsible gaming regulations in Spain and offering consistent protection to consumers.
Legal framework and objectives of responsible gaming in Spain
Spain has made significant strides in the area of responsible gambling with the enactment of Law 13/2011 and Royal Decree 176/2023, which require operators to set up effective processes to identify troublesome activities. Protecting public health, particularly that of underprivileged or vulnerable populations, is the primary objective. Therefore, protection policies are a fundamental axis that directly impacts the business and government sectors.
The Royal Decree stipulates that, within two years of its enactment, the regulatory authority must establish a unified system for all operators, utilising standard criteria and limits.
Likewise, the regulation provides for a public information period until 25 September 2025, inviting companies and institutions in the sector to submit suggestions and comments that could improve the procedure.
This procedure ensures active participation and transparency at both the business and administrative levels. Furthermore, the current approach moves away from the traditional conception of the player as an autonomous and rational subject, recognising that the supply and consumption of gambling are determining factors in protecting users.
Agreement to initiate the approval procedure for the mechanism for detecting risky gambling behaviour. Download
Mechanisms and variables of the national responsible gambling system in Spain
To consistently detect harmful actions, operators must apply a monthly analytical model to all gaming accounts under Spain’s new responsible gambling system. As a result, the procedure is completed in four stages, which include:
1. Exclusion of sporadic players
2. Automatic classification of direct risk
3. Extraction of quantitative variables
4. Execution of the model trained by the DGOJ in accordance with current regulations.
Advanced algorithms and indicators for early detection of risky gambling behaviour
Operators must use indicators such as amounts wagered, deposits, days of activity, frequency and variability of participation to identify patterns of problematic behaviour. According to the DGOJ, users who meet specific criteria receive customised therapy for a minimum of six months, allowing for early intervention without a clinical diagnosis. The goal of this treatment is to lessen negative consequences and prevent dangerous habits from becoming more significant issues.
Players deemed sporadic, on the other hand, are exempt from stringent monitoring because of their limited activity or few deposits. However, the operator may still review them under certain conditions. In the meantime, those who meet the DGOJ’s criteria are immediately identified as dangerous and require prompt attention to ensure their safety and safeguard their health.
An advanced algorithm, built on decision tree techniques (XGBoost), uses precise economic and behavioural variables to generate reliable predictions. This includes everything from the number of deposits and withdrawals to hourly activity and the variety of games each player participates in. Therefore, this method promotes scientific and objective categorisation to facilitate an effective and coordinated response from operators and regulators.
This article was first published in Spanish on 29 August 2025.
