Spain Opens Consultation on Gambling Reform

Spain has launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to its Gambling Regulation Act, as authorities look to introduce stricter advertising controls and reinforce player protection measures.

The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, through the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation, confirmed on Monday (May 18) that the planned reform aims to update legislation that has been in force for the past 15 years and better reflect the growth of the online gambling sector.

Among the main proposals being considered are tighter restrictions on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling marketing. Regulators are seeking to reduce their visibility in advertising campaigns, promotional offers and even online search results, with gambling operator websites only appearing when users make searches specifically related to betting activities.

The consultation will also gather feedback on issues linked to prevention measures, illegal gambling activity and regulatory enforcement tools. Citizens, industry stakeholders and organizations can submit their views until June 22, 2026.

Spain continues gambling reform efforts

The latest consultation forms part of Spain’s broader effort to increase oversight of the gambling industry. In addition to the proposed advertising limitations involving celebrities and influencers, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs is introducing further initiatives aimed at improving player safety and reducing harmful gambling behavior.

One of the key projects currently in development is an algorithm designed to identify signs of problem gambling at an early stage. The system, built using real microdata, will become mandatory for licensed operators and is expected to improve detection rates by approximately ten percentage points.

Authorities have also announced plans to introduce warning messages on gambling advertisements, similar to health warnings used on tobacco products. These notices will inform consumers about the risks associated with betting, including statistics showing the high likelihood of financial losses.

Earlier this year, Spain introduced its Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030, a nationwide strategy focused on responsible gambling and consumer protection, while also implementing stronger identity verification requirements for operators.