Key Moments:
- The DGOJ has outlined plans to implement centralized monitoring and deposit controls for all Spanish online gambling licensees.
- Default deposit limits in the draft proposal are established at €600 per day, €1,500 per week, and €3,000 per month.
- The DGOJ has started developing an AI algorithm to identify problem gambling in real time, utilizing XGBoost machine learning technology.
Enhanced Player Protections and Monitoring Framework
The Directorate General of Gambling (DGOJ) in Spain introduced new measures to protect players and strengthen oversight in the country’s digital gambling sector. These developments align with the DGOJ’s recent renewal of its certification under the National Security Scheme (ENS), a key requirement for moving forward with new oversight projects outlined in the 2023 Royal Decree on Gambling Environments.
The DGOJ’s strategy centers on a Centralized Monitoring System. This system will track player activity across all licensed online gambling operators in Spain. This initiative is meant to facilitate real-time oversight and help uphold player safety measures.
Strict Deposit Limits and Compliance Measures
Since 2022, Spanish licensees have independently enforced a daily deposit ceiling of €600. Under the proposed centralized system, the DGOJ will verify every customer deposit across multiple licensees. This process ensures compliance with the new thresholds.
According to the draft framework, the default deposit restrictions are set at €600 daily, €1,500 weekly, and €3,000 monthly. SBC Noticias has indicated that the upcoming monitoring system will impose deposit verification processes to guarantee that players do not exceed these boundaries.
Although the monitoring system still awaits real-world testing, the DGOJ expects it to give players tools to lower their deposit limits. Operators must also remind users of their right to set gambling and deposit limits, along with time constraints, at every login.
| Deposit Limit | Amount (€) |
|---|---|
| Daily | 600 |
| Weekly | 1,500 |
| Monthly | 3,000 |
Broader Protective Initiatives and AI Integration
The new monitoring system will also launch a federal self-exclusion program to assist individuals struggling with gambling issues. This tool is intended to streamline intervention capabilities and enhance treatment resources across Spain’s 17 autonomous regions.
A key part of the DGOJ’s plan is deploying an artificial intelligence algorithm. This tool will monitor 60 live data points to detect problem gambling. This initiative, highlighted as the flagship component of the Royal Decree, leverages real-time behavioral analysis with early intervention capabilities.
At the Gaming in Spain Conference in June, the DGOJ shared updates on using XGBoost machine learning in the project’s initial phase. In September, a public consultation was launched inviting IT, gaming, and technology experts to submit insights regarding the data and information necessary for shaping the AI algorithm.
The DGOJ asserts that support from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs positions Spain to become the first European regulatory body to actively employ AI for customer intervention in gambling-related harm cases.
Regulatory Outlook
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs of Spain continues to underscore the Royal Decree’s objective of equipping Spain with Europe’s most rigorous gambling license oversight. Despite these plans, the DGOJ has not yet completed any technical implementations specified by the Royal Decree.
- Author
Daniel Williams
