Spain's New Safe Gambling Program Targets Social Media to Protect Youth

Spain clamps down on social media with the new Safe Gambling Programme to protect the youth from potential gambling-related harm.

The Spanish Gaming Authorities have proven once again their dedication to player safety in online gambling.

The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) introduced a new Safe Gambling Programme (2026 - 2030) with a focus on social media and its influence on gambling behaviour, particularly among younger players.

Out with the old

The Safe Gambling Programme was announced in a meeting of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling at the DGOJ headquarters in Madrid. It is looking to replace the old Responsible Gambling Initiative (2019 - 2022), which was largely reactive.

Here, the approach is more proactive, flexible and long-term. DGOJ is intent on prevention, early detection, and policy making that is driven by data. It places the focus on new measures to strengthen protection and keep younger people away from gambling harm.

A key part of this is assessing how social media contributes to gambling exposure, mainly by targeting younger players. For this purpose, the authorities are examining marketing strategies, influencer content, and the most common gambling messages users are exposed to.

Key measures of the new strategy

The new programme is built around three main pillars: analysis and diagnosis, prevention and promotion of safe gambling, and participant protection. Its headline measures include:

Social media impact studies: Research and analysis of how online content influences young people.
Early detection systems: Using technology to identify harmful behaviour before it has the chance to expand or escalate.
Public awareness campaigns: Educational efforts to target the more vulnerable groups specifically.
Increased operator responsibilities: Operators will also be expected to adopt stricter measures for protecting their players and playing responsibly.

With the programme, there is also funding for research and collaborations with academic and health institutions to make sure all policies are evidence-based.

Why the focus on social media?

Online gambling is closely linked to the digital sphere, with social media as one of the key marketing tools for operators. Younger players (aged 18 to 25) use these platforms daily, and for many, they become the first point of exposure to the world of gambling.

For regulators, there’s great concern, especially regarding gamified content, influencer promotions, and targeted ads that tend to blur the lines between entertainment and gambling. Also all the more prevalent in the younger demographic.

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DGOJ is responding to that concern with a structured research programme aimed at better understanding how online engagement translates into real gambling behaviour.

The end goal is to have the data to back up whatever regulatory decisions or changes in the Spanish gambling regulations follow in light of those findings.

A glimpse into the future

Spain’s new approach suggests an evolution in how regulators approach gambling risks within the digital age. With the focus on social media and youth behaviour, the DGOJ is taking on one of the biggest and most complex aspects of modern gambling.

Compliance is expected, as are operators to take greater accountability in their marketing and interactions with younger players. As this is a four-year programme, we will see a gradual impact.

In any case, what the DGOJ does and finds, and whether it will be successful, will be closely watched by other regulators and markets.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: May 1, 2026

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Spain's new safe gambling program targets social media to protect youth

Out with the old

Key measures of the new strategy

Why the focus on social media?