Spain's focus on self-exclusion and responsible gaming education in 2024


Spain's focus on self-exclusion and responsible gaming education in 2024

The Spanish Ministry of Health claims that 670,00 citizens of Spain have developing gambling problems, and that’s not the main issue – some of them are only 15 years old! With such risks for the younger generation, the government are trying to develop new measures for responsible gambling. Are they successful, though? See the results to form your opinion.

WHAT HAPPENS IN SPAIN: AN OVERVIEW OF A GAMBLING LANDSCAPE

Have you heard of Spanish casinos? Surprisingly, they exist and attract a lot of locals and foreign players. By 2028, they are even predicted to have 13% more. As for the genre's versatility, Spanish citizens love sports betting and lotteries. However, online casinos are also popular, but that’s not what makes the situation interesting.

The licensing process for a casino in Spain is difficult, really difficult in comparison to other countries. The process is regulated by the Spanish Gambling Act, which has been released and unchanged since 2011. According to it, companies have to prove their trustworthiness, show approximate income, apply responsible gambling features, and do a multitude of other things. However, the problem of gambling addiction has stayed the same.

This case shows that even strict licencing cannot prevent people from irresponsible behaviour. The process of betting itself is dangerous, however, there are some solutions. Now, the government and non-profit organisations are trying to provide new features to protect local players.

GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF GAMBLING REGULATION

This is an official organisation that works similarly to the British GamStop program. And just like British citizens can still access non GamStop casino sites with hundreds of game providers, Spanish players can play games in casinos outside of Spain.

The program has shown a positive effect. With its help, you can be self-excluded and receive educational materials and psychological help, a standard set for your mental health, yet it works with Spanish gamblers.

JUGARBIEN

Unlike the above-mentioned organization, JugarBien is only an informational hub. And that's the problem – people would hardly reach it until they already feel signs of addiction. To solve it, JugarBien holds events in Madrid to attract more people before they even feel the need to address a responsible gambling organisation.

FEDERACIONES DE JUGADORES

“Treat them as gamblers’ advocates”. This authorities’ goal is to provide fair play and make bookmakers follow the rules of responsible gaming.

It's indeed a good approach. One of the reasons why players start to gamble irresponsibly is unfair rules and mechanisms that make you deposit more and more. Wagers, deposit limits, withdrawal minimums – all this is made to extend your gaming session. As a result, you start to feel addicted. What FDJ does is provide fair gaming rules among Spanish casinos and bookmakers as we could learn from the alternative UK basic guide of football betting without GamStop.

RGIAJ

That’s the name of a national self-exclusion program. What is special about it? It covers all gambling locations in the country, both offline and online. Here is how:

  • A Spanish citizen addresses the organisation.

  • The authority takes your passport and your home IP.

  • The personal information is sent all over the Spanish land-based casinos and bookmakers.

  • Meanwhile, the IP is added to the base of self-excluded players.

What happens then? To enter a gambling venue in Spain, you need to show your passport to the administration. So, all licensed land-based casinos simply won't let you in. Meanwhile, all online casinos and bookmakers will block your IP. Sure, it only happens with Spanish-licensed websites, so don't expect overall safety.

Did the Measures Help?

Statistics can answer this question. There is no actual information on 2024, but the period of 2017-2022 showed good results. In 2017-2018, the percentage of people suffering from gambling addiction in Spain was 2.6%. Meanwhile, it dropped to 2.2% in 2019 and has shown positive dynamics since that moment.

These are not big numbers – but considering Spain's population, this relates to over a million real people. Responsible gambling measures indeed show results, even if they are invisible straight away.

SPAIN AND RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING: NUMBERS AND FACTS

Did you know that:

  • In Spain, national banks are prohibited from offering credit cards to people who lose more than €600 in three consecutive weeks. It serves as a sign of filing addiction.

  • All casinos are prohibited from showing ads from 1:00am to 5:00am. The only exception is made for bookmakers that can promote live events.

  • An average gambler in Spain spends less than €50 a week in casinos and bookmakers. It shows positive changes in the sphere of responsible gaming.

Overall, all these measures, even unusual ones, show the active participation of the government. The country wants to solve an issue, not only to show that they care – and that reassures.

What Can You Do Today to Bet on Sports Responsibly?

Responsible gambling doesn't only mean safety, it's about fun and relaxing without risks. Without waiting for a supporting organization to help, see what you can do by yourself:

  • Play until it's fun. Not so easy, obviously. But right at this moment, when betting on your favourite Real Madrid starts to feel like chores (who likes chores, right?), you should immediately stop.

  • Don't be greedy. Even when being sure of your winning, place small stakes. Yes, even when your favourite team plays.

  • Cater to physical needs. Listen to your body – go eat when you are hungry, and don't forget about a short walk.

While Spanish official organisations cater to rather technical tools like self-excluding and limitations, try basic psychological tricks.

trending