(AsiaGameHub) –   Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has introduced a new funding scheme to support studies on disorders related to gambling, as authorities increase their efforts to enhance consumer protections and modernise gambling regulation.

The programme will open for applications to universities and research bodies seeking grants to investigate the harms of gambling, with a submission deadline of 22 June 2026.

The scheme has a budget of €950,620 and will finance research concentrated on the following key areas:

• Enhancing the identification of gambling disorders
• Raising awareness of risk indicators and behavioural triggers associated with gambling harm
• Formulating evidence-based policies to strengthen safeguards against psychological and financial damage caused by gambling

Public and private research entities can submit applications via the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation’s (DGOJ) digital platform, with funded projects required to be completed by 30 June 2027.

Officials noted that the programme aims to expand Spain’s data on gambling-related harm, which is particularly relevant as participation in online gambling and digitalisation continue to advance rapidly.

The funding announcement is part of a broader regulatory initiative, driven by Spain’s government and the DGOJ, aimed at strengthening oversight of the online gambling sector.

Agenda 2030

Since 2020, Spain’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been responsible for national gambling policy, with the DGOJ overseeing a regulatory strategy increasingly focused on consumer protections and digital safeguards.

Last week, the Ministry and DGOJ launched a public consultation on proposed changes to Spain’s Gambling Regulation Act, renewing efforts to tighten advertising controls, improve preventive measures, and provide regulators with stronger tools to combat illegal gambling.

A central element of the review involves renewed restrictions on promotions led by influencers and celebrities.

Spain had previously attempted to implement tighter advertising controls under the Royal Advertising framework. However, the enforcement of stricter advertising rules faced legal and procedural challenges after measures targeting influencers, athletes, and celebrity endorsements were considered to extend beyond DGOJ’s competencies and require broader legislative support.

DGOJ on the clock

The government is now looking to reintroduce advertising restrictions through its 2026 reform programme.

The consultation also forms part of a wider effort to modernise Spain’s gambling legislation, which has remained largely unchanged for over 15 years, with policymakers arguing that regulation must evolve alongside the growth of online gambling and changing digital consumer behaviours.

Spanish operators are also continuing to wait for 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.

These initiatives were originally expected to be tested during 2025 but have not yet been implemented in live environments.

Consumer Affairs officials have also indicated plans to tighten requirements for search engine visibility, potentially restricting betting-related search results to authorised operators only.

The research funding programme is expected to reinforce the evidence base supporting future reforms, providing policymakers and regulators with data to shape measures designed to reduce gambling-related harm and strengthen Spain’s consumer protection framework.