Spanish gambling regulator DGOJ announces €950,620 research fund on gambling harm

(AsiaGameHub) –   A competitive grant program totaling €950,620 has been unveiled by the Spanish Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030.

The initiative aims to finance studies focused on the prevention, impacts, and risks tied to gambling.

Published in the official state gazette, the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), the call for proposals will be managed by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).

A wide array of research institutions is encouraged to apply. Eligible participants encompass public and private universities, health bodies, non-profits, and development centers.

Prospective applicants must show a proven track record in gambling-related research.

As part of its regulatory strategy, the DGOJ has placed growing emphasis on studying gambling harm, especially regarding younger age groups and the intersection of gaming and gambling mechanics.

The DGOJ’s Safe Gambling Programme (2026-2030), launched in March, specifically raised concerns about behavioral patterns linked to loot boxes, social casino offerings, and other hybrid gaming elements that might normalize gambling for minors and young adults.

Furthermore, the government has stressed the need for gender-sensitive research and interventions, citing evidence that gambling harms impact demographics differently and necessitate customized prevention approaches.

Key research priorities

Submitted proposals are required to focus on one of six specific themes:

1. Identifying individuals displaying high-risk or severe gambling behaviors early on;
2. Harm caused to individuals, families, or society by gambling, covering mental health and financial challenges;
3. Creating tools, mechanisms, or processes designed to reduce the negative effects of gambling;
4. The link between the video game industry and gambling, with a focus on lotteries, chance-based games, poker, and betting;
5. The structural traits of businesses involved in lotteries, games of chance, poker, and betting;
6. How gender influences high-risk or severe gambling behaviors.

The start date for research projects cannot be before 1 January 2026, and they must be completed by 30 June 2027.

Consultation regarding the Gambling Regulation Act

Additionally, the DGOJ opened a public consultation this week regarding amendments to the Gambling Regulation Act aimed at tightening rules on the use of celebrities or influencers in gambling ads.

Under the proposed changes, gambling operator advertisements would only be visible if a consumer performs a direct online search for betting brands.

Reforming gambling advertising has been an ongoing trend in Spain’s gambling sector. A 2020 Royal Decree outlawed gambling sponsorships and strictly limited TV and radio advertising to a watershed between 5am and 1am.

Although the initial decree banned the use of celebrities and influencers in ads, this restriction was annulled in April 2024, along with other measures.

Studies conducted last summer indicated that new online gambling registrations had dropped by more than 50% since the Royal Decree took effect. In 2023, 1.35 million new accounts were opened, representing a 55% decrease from the 3.01 million recorded in 2020.