Starting in 2025, the Spanish Ministry of Health, through the National Plan on Drugs, released a . One of the key topics was gambling, particularly concerning its impact on young people. Despite public concern, the Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, emphasised that the data reflects positive progress and highlighted the importance of analysing the situation objectively, avoiding alarmist narratives.
According to reports from the local press, this report opens a crucial conversation for operators, suppliers, and regulators in the gaming industry, who must consider how these findings may impact the sector’s perception and the implementation of new responsible gaming strategies. While some sectors have taken a critical stance toward the industry, the reality is that control mechanisms and self-exclusion policies are showing positive results in various regions of Spain.
The report on addictions in Spain
One of the most significant examples of this progress is Córdoba. The Andalusian province has strengthened its commitment to gambling addiction prevention and protecting vulnerable groups through initiatives driven by governmental entities and specialised associations.
Among the most active organisations in this effort is the which has emphasised the importance of education and information in mitigating the risks of problematic gambling. According to this organisation, the key is not just prohibition or restrictions but a combination of prevention, awareness, and effective regulation.
The data supports this perspective. The Regional Government of Andalusia created the Registry of Control and Access Interdictions to Gambling and Betting Establishments in 2000. The registry currently lists 1,076 individuals in the self-exclusion system in Córdoba. While this number may seem high, it serves as evidence of the effectiveness of control mechanisms and the willingness of those seeking help to manage their relationship with gambling.
Local media sources indicate that the impact of these policies is also reflected in the increase in inspections at gambling venues. The Police Unit Attached to the Regional Government of Andalusia (UPA) reported that in 2024, 190 inspections were carried out in Córdoba establishments, a significant jump from the 29 conducted in 2023. This increase signals a reinforcement of supervision and the enforcement of regulations that ensure a safer environment for players.
Implications for the gambling sector
For gaming operators, these figures present both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, growing regulatory pressure requires stricter supervision and compliance with stringent regulations. On the other hand, the report’s findings reinforce the message that responsible gaming strategies and self-exclusion policies are necessary and effective.
From a supplier’s perspective, these findings could accelerate the demand for technological tools that enhance player safety. AI-driven solutions for detecting risky behaviours, advanced monitoring systems, and the integration of self-exclusion tools into digital platforms could become key differentiators for companies aiming to operate with a high standard of responsibility.
For regulators, the challenge will be to balance protecting players and allowing the industry to grow sustainably. The experience in Córdoba suggests that effective regulation does not necessarily mean excessive restrictions but rather an approach based on transparency, control, and education.
A future based on data and shared responsibility
The National Plan on Drugs report marks a turning point for the gaming industry in Spain. The trend toward greater responsibility within the sector is clear, and the data indicates that prevention and control strategies are positively impacting.
The message for B2B key industry players is clear: the sector’s sustainability will depend on its ability to adapt to these new dynamics. Companies that integrate responsible gaming into their core values, invest in user protection technology, and collaborate with authorities to improve regulation will be better positioned to face the industry’s future.
This article was first published in Spanish on 5 March 2025.
