Spain’s lower house has formally published two motions approved by the Mixed Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems that call for enhanced gambling harm prevention measures and reforms to the country’s self-exclusion system.
The initiatives, promoted by the Partido Popular (PP), do not constitute binding legislation but represent a formal parliamentary position urging the government to adopt stricter prevention policies and revise existing regulatory mechanisms.
The first motion calls on the executive branch to increase funding for gambling addiction prevention campaigns so that it matches or exceeds the amount allocated by Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (Selae) for gambling advertising and promotional activities.
It also requests the development of a comprehensive scientific study on gambling disorder addressing neurological, psychological and social factors, alongside updated treatment protocols based on current clinical evidence.
Additional recommendations include the launch of targeted awareness campaigns focused on mobile gambling risks among minors and the implementation of specialised training programs for healthcare and educational professionals to detect early signs of gambling-related harm.
The motion further proposes a coordinated national action plan developed in collaboration with Spain’s autonomous communities, supported by measurable objectives and stable funding mechanisms.
The second motion addresses Spain’s General Registry of Gambling Access Bans (RGIAJ), the country’s voluntary self-exclusion database. Lawmakers propose introducing a mandatory minimum duration of one year for any self-exclusion request. Amendments or removals from the registry would be subject to mental health considerations and potential input from specialised addiction associations.
The proposal also includes follow-up and psychological support systems for individuals who request removal, particularly in relapse scenarios.
While the measures are not immediately enforceable, their publication in the Official Gazette of the Spanish Parliament signals increased political scrutiny of gambling marketing practices and harm prevention frameworks.
Spain’s self-exclusion registry applies nationally across both online and land-based operators licensed under the DGOJ
