A Spanish Parliamentary Committee has approved three proposals aimed at strengthening the prevention, education and treatment of gambling addiction, with a particular focus on youth aged 14 to 18.
The Mixed Committee on Addiction Issues, which includes members of both the Congress and Senate, backed measures calling for stronger national action to reduce gambling-related harm.
The Popular Parliamentary Group submitted the proposal with the strongest support. It calls for enhanced prevention, treatment and rehabilitation measures for gambling addiction among 14 to 18-year-olds across both land-based and online gambling.
Senator Elena Castillo López, who supported the proposal, said there is currently a “regulatory gap” because the National Addiction Strategy and its associated national action plan have expired.
The Government is now being asked to include targeted and effective measures in the next National Strategy on Addictions and the next Action Plan on Addictions to strengthen prevention, treatment and rehabilitation across the country.
A second proposal, which focuses on protecting minors from gambling products based on instant rewards, was also approved. Lawmakers highlighted concerns over weak controls on underage access and the low cost of such products, which was said to increase their appeal.
The third proposal promotes financial education as a tool to help reduce online gambling-related harm. Supporters argued that improving financial literacy could help reduce problematic gambling behaviour by increasing awareness of risks and lowering young people’s vulnerability to addiction.
The Spanish regulator, DGOJ, recently presented a Safe Gambling Program for 2026 - 2030. Measures target youth protection, research on emerging technologies such as AI and strengthened collaboration with treatment providers.
The Spanish Safe Gambling Program for 2026 – 2030 plans for public communication and awareness campaigns that will leverage digital platforms and social media
