Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has launched a new funding programme to support research into gambling-related disorders, as policymakers accelerate efforts to strengthen consumer protections and modernise gambling regulation.
The initiative will open applications to universities and research institutions that are seeking grants to examine gambling harms, with submissions closing on 22 June 2026.
The programme carries a budget of €950,620 and will fund research focused on key areas including:
- Improving the detection of gambling disorders
- Increasing awareness of gambling harm risk indicators and behavioural triggers
- Developing evidence-based policies to strengthen safeguards against gambling-related psychological and financial harms
Public and private research centres may apply through the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation’s (DGOJ) electronic platform, with funded projects required to conclude by 30 June 2027.
Officials said that the programme aims to expand Spain’s evidence on gambling-related harm, something that is particularly pertinent as online gambling participation and digitalisation continue to evolve rapidly.
The funding notice forms part of a broader regulatory agenda, advanced by Spain’s government and the DGOJ, which looks to strengthen oversight of the online gambling sector.
Agenda 2030
Since 2020, Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has overseen national gambling policy and DGOJ responsibilities, pursuing a regulatory strategy that is increasingly focused on consumer protections and digital safeguards.
Last week, the Ministry and DGOJ launched a public consultation on amendments to Spain’s Gambling Regulation Act, reopening efforts to tighten advertising controls, improve prevention measures and equip regulators with stronger tools to combat illegal gambling.
A central component of the review concerns renewed restrictions on influencer and celebrity-led gambling promotions.
Spain previously attempted tighter advertising controls under provisions linked to the Royal Advertising framework. However, the implementation of stricter advertising rules encountered legal and procedural obstacles after measures targeting influencers, athletes and celebrity endorsements were deemed to have extended beyond DGOJ competencies and required broader legislative backing.
DGOJ on the clock
The government is now seeking to reintroduce advertising restrictions through its 2026 reform programme.
The consultation also forms part of a wider attempt to modernise Spain’s gambling legislation, which has remained largely unchanged for more than 15 years, with policymakers arguing regulation must evolve alongside online gambling growth and digital consumer behaviours.
Spanish operators also continue to await further technical guidance from the DGOJ on broader safer gambling measures, including a proposed player protection algorithm and a universal deposit monitoring framework for licensed operators.
Those initiatives were originally expected to undergo testing during 2025 but have yet to enter live operating environments.
Consumer Affairs officials have additionally indicated plans to tighten search engine visibility requirements, potentially limiting betting-related search results to authorised operators.
The research funding programme is expected to strengthen the evidence base underpinning future reforms, equipping policymakers and regulators with data to shape measures designed to reduce gambling-related harm and reinforce Spain’s consumer protection framework.
