The Spanish Ministry of Health claims that 670,00 Spain citizens have developed gambling problems, and that’s not the main issue, some of them are only 15 years old! With such risks for the younger generation, the government are trying to develop new measures for responsible gambling.
Are they successful, though? See the results and make your own opinion.
Have you heard of Spanish casinos? Surprisingly, they exist and attract a lot of local and foreign players. By 2028, they are predicted to rise by 13%. As for the genre versatility, Spanish citizens love sports betting and lotteries; however, online casinos are also popular, but that’s not what makes a situation interesting.
The licensing process for a casino in Spain is difficult, really difficult in comparison to other regions. The process is regulated by the Spanish Gambling Act, which has been in effect and unchanged since 2011. According to this act, companies have to prove their trustworthiness, show estimated income, apply responsible gambling features, and do a pile of other things. As a result, the problem of gambling addiction stayed the same.
This case shows that even strict licensing cannot prevent people from irresponsible behaviour. The process of betting itself is dangerous; however, there are some solutions. Now, the government and non-profit organisations are trying to provide new features to protect players.
This is an official organisation that works similarly to the British GamStop program, and just like British citizens can still access non-GamStop casinos with hundreds of sports events, Spanish players can play games in casinos outside Spain. However, the program has shown a positive effect. With its help, you can be self-excluded and receive educational materials and psychological help, a standard set for your mental health, yet it works with Spanish gamblers.
Unlike the above-mentioned organisation, JugarBien is only an informational hub, and that's the problem; people wouldn’t reach it until they already felt signs of addiction. To solve it, JugarBien holds events in Madrid to attract more people before they even feel the need to address a responsible gambling organisation.
“Treat them as gamblers’ advocates.” The authorities’ goal is to provide fair play and make bookmakers follow the rules of responsible gaming.
It is indeed a good approach. One of the reasons why players start to gamble irresponsibly is unfair rules and mechanisms that make them deposit more and more. Wagers, deposit limits, and withdrawal minimums, all this is made to extend your gaming session. As a result, you start to feel addicted.
What FDJ does is provide fair gaming rules among Spanish casinos and bookmakers, as we could learn from the alternative UK basic guide of football betting without GamStop. To ensure safer gambling, many players use blocker apps for safer gambling. These apps help restrict access to gambling sites, providing an additional layer of protection and promoting healthier gaming habits.
This is the name of a national self-exclusion program. But what is special about it? It covers all gambling locations in the country, both offline and online. Here is how:
1. A Spanish citizen addresses the organisation.
2. The authority takes your passport and your home IP.
3. The personal information is sent to all the Spanish land-based casinos and bookmakers.
4. Meanwhile, the IP is added to the base of self-excluded players.
What happens then? To enter a gambling location in Spain, you need to show your passport to the administration, so, all licensed land-based casinos simply won’t let you in. Meanwhile, all online casinos and bookmakers will block your IP. Sure, it only happens with Spanish-licensed websites, so don’t expect overall safety. That’s why some players turn to online casino ohne OASIS, which operate outside strict national self-exclusion systems and often allow access regardless of location or local restrictions.
Statistics can answer this question. There is no actual information on 2025, but the period of 2017-2022 showed good results. In 2017-2018, the percentage of people suffering from gambling addiction in Spain was 2.6%. Meanwhile, it declined to 2.2% in 2019 and has shown positive dynamics since that moment.
These are not big numbers, but considering Spain’s population, these are hundreds of real people. Responsible gambling measures indeed show results, even if they are invisible straight away.
Did you know that:
1. In Spain, national banks are prohibited from offering credit cards to people who lose more than €600 in three consecutive weeks. It serves as a sign of filing addiction.
2. All casinos are prohibited from showing ads from 1:00am to 5:00am. The only exception is made for bookmakers that can promote live events.
3. An average gambler in Spin spends less than €50 a week in casinos and bookmakers. It shows positive changes in the sphere of responsible gaming
Overall, all these measures, even unusual ones, show the active participation of the government. The country wants to solve an issue, not only to show that they care, and that is reassuring.
Responsible gambling doesn't only mean safety, it's about fun and relaxing without risks. Without waiting for a supporting organisation to help, see what you can do by yourself:
1. Play until it's fun. Not so easy, obviously. But right at this moment, when betting on your favourite Real Madrid starts to feel like chores (who likes chores, right?), you should immediately stop.
2. Don't be greedy. Even when being sure of your winning, place small stakes. Yes, even when your favourite team plays.
3. Cater to physical needs. Listen to your body – go eat when you are hungry, and don't forget about a promenade.
While Spanish official organisations cater to rather technical tools like self-exclusion and limitations, they try basic psychological tricks.
Gamble Responsibly: Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. Always gamble within your financial means and set limits to stay in control. You must be 18 or older to participate in gambling activities. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from organisations like FEJAR (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados) at www.fejar.org. Stay safe and gamble responsibly.
