Spain's DGOJ Implements a Unified System to Identify Risky Gaming Behaviour

To protect gamblers from potential harm, the Spanish regulatory body DGOJ chose to take significant measures. The authority has decided to implement a unified system for the early identification of problematic user behaviour.

New Approach to Security Issues

The primary objective of the presented tool is to assist operators in detecting clients who may be at risk. Specifically, if a player loses control, notably raises wagers, or begins gambling excessively, the mechanism should issue a warning about potential danger.

The DGOJ’s system will function uniformly for all licensees. This approach allows the following:

1. Control standardisation. A customer's behaviour will be assessed by the same criteria regardless of where they play.
2. Prevention of switching between websites. Clients will not be able to simply change portals to evade monitoring, since the algorithms will extend across the entire gambling sector.
3. Provision of fairness and equity. All niche companies will follow the same set of rules and requirements. Licensed operators will gain a competitive advantage over shadow brands.

The development of this system is expected to take about 2 years. It is part of the regulator’s long-term plan titled the “Safe Gambling Program 2026–2030.”

Main Catalyst for Innovations

The Spanish authorities recently intensified the crackdown on illicit iGaming platforms, imposing approximately €77.4 million in fines on 14 dubious operators.

The focus is now shifting towards safeguarding gamblers even in legal casinos. At the same time, local players are increasingly turning to grey portals that accept cryptocurrencies.

When resorting to a website with digital tokens, such clients typically look for several key features:

1. Fewer restrictions, as these platforms do not enforce deposit limits like licensed companies do.
2. More attractive bonuses, with some shadow brands providing better promotions and special offers.
3. Anonymity, since cryptocurrencies enable players to remain incognito, appealing to those who value privacy.

The gambling community in Spain continues to expand at a rapid pace. As indicated in the DGOJ’s full-year report for 2024, the number of active punters in the sphere has exceeded 1.99 million, reflecting a 21.63% YoY increase. This notable growth elevates the government’s duty to safeguard these individuals from potential harm associated with real-money gambling.

Implementation of the Initiative: Further Steps

The new system is now in the discussion stage and open for public feedback, allowing everyone, from operators to regular players, to submit suggestions. The deadline for comments is September 25th, 2025.

The regulatory body aims to guarantee the mechanism's effectiveness by taking into account the views of both investors and gamblers. Ultimately, responsible gaming will evolve from a recommendation to a compulsory requirement for all digital casinos in the country.

Niche Experiences of Other Markets

Spain's authorities diligently observe and analyse successful approaches implemented in other European states. For example, KSA, the gambling regulator in the Netherlands, has pinpointed 5 main risk indicators.

These include:

• loss of control;
• betting intensity;
• content features;
• wager increases;
• operator behavior.

These results demonstrate that gaming-related harm is more often linked to fluctuations in user habits rather than stable, large stakes. The new system should consider these insights to maximise effectiveness.

Gaminator’s team consistently tracks the gambling industry to keep clients updated on the latest regulatory changes in key regions, current market trends, and major events. With our professional support, you can launch and scale a legal and profitable casino business.