New Spanish Player Protection Rules Stir Industry Debate
Spain is preparing to roll out some of its most comprehensive gambling reforms to date, introducing centralised deposit limits and an AI-driven monitoring system as the core components of the initiative.
The proposals originate from the Directorate General of the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) and were initially unveiled in 2023. While final approval is still pending, the framework is becoming increasingly clear. The DGOJ aims to implement stronger safeguards for players while developing tools capable of detecting early signs of gambling-related harm.
The plan has attracted close attention from the industry, as it promises to fundamentally alter how operators manage and interact with players.
Centralised Deposit Limits
Spain intends to centralise the management of player deposit limits across all licensed operators. Currently, each operator sets its own limits, but under the new system, the regulator will maintain a unified approach, ensuring consistency across the market.
The proposed limits are:
€600 per day
€1,500 per week
€3,000 per month
Players will retain the ability to lower their limits or remove them, but new safeguards will apply: changes will take three days to activate and players can only adjust limits once every three months. This approach is designed to curb impulsive spending and encourage reflection before increasing gambling activity.
AI for Real-Time Monitoring
Spain is poised to become the first European jurisdiction to deploy artificial intelligence for live gambling monitoring. The DGOJ is developing an AI algorithm to track player behavior in real time, using “live variable indicators” to identify early warning signs of potential harm.
The project falls under the Royal Decree of gambling environments, with the AI system expected to be finalized by March 2026. Once completed, it will be mandatory for all licensed operators in Spain, positioning the country as a potential leader in responsible gambling technology within Europe.
Industry Reaction: Balancing Protection and Competitiveness
While operators generally support measures to protect players, there are concerns about the potential effects on market competitiveness.
At the Gaming in Spain conference in June, industry representatives cautioned that overly strict regulation could hinder the attractiveness of the licensed market.
Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital, highlighted that while player safety is essential, reforms should be paired with policies to enhance market appeal, such as introducing new gambling products, including live casino offerings, to maintain player engagement.
Esther Martin-Ortega, Head of Public Affairs at Flutter, warned that overly restrictive measures could inadvertently push players toward unregulated platforms. She also emphasized the role of social media influencers in promoting gambling content outside the regulated framework:
“There are influencers in gaming, and they always find a way of putting the advertising in front of you… We have a generation of smartphone natives who check what’s going on on social media. Access for a consumer to the black market is much broader than ever.”
Challenges from the Black Market
The reforms underscore Spain’s challenge in keeping players within the regulated environment. While the government seeks to enhance safety and protect players, industry voices caution that excessive restrictions may drive users toward unlicensed sites, where safeguards are absent.
Social media and influencer marketing are seen as key drivers of this risk, particularly for younger audiences who may be exposed to promotions for unregulated platforms.
Looking Ahead
The next 18 months will be critical for Spain’s gambling reforms. The centralised deposit limit system still requires final approval, while the AI monitoring algorithm is on track for completion by March 2026. Once operational, all licensed operators will be required to integrate the tool into their platforms.
These reforms have the potential to reshape the Spanish gambling landscape for years to come. Success could increase trust in the regulated sector and reduce gambling related harm, but regulators and operators will need to carefully balance protection measures with market competitiveness.
For operators, the central challenge remains: how to comply with enhanced player protection standards while keeping the licensed market attractive and competitive against the black market.
