The Spanish Parliament has published the agreement approving, with amendments, the non-legislative proposal promoted by Vox Party to reduce minors’ exposure to ONCE scratch cards. Parliament has also published other proposals related to addiction.
ONCE’s best-known activity is operating a lottery system, including scratch cards and other games, which helps fund its social and welfare programmes.
A non-legislative proposal is not legally binding, but it is an initiative through which members of Parliament or parties ask the Government to take a certain action or adopt a position.
A Joint Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems has called on the Government to act in agreement with regional authorities and within the forthcoming National Strategy on Addictions. It sets out a range of measures.
These include a study on the impact of advertising for instant reward gambling games on children and young people.
They also include stronger age verification systems for both land-based and online gambling. This would involve the use of effective technological tools, more frequent inspections and a clear framework of supervision and sanctions for non-compliance.
The Commission also calls for public awareness campaigns on the risks of addiction for minors linked to these products. It recommends promoting youth participation in sport, cultural and recreational activities as alternatives to gambling.
It further seeks improved coordination with mental health and primary care services to support early detection and treatment of problem gambling.
In addition, it calls for a review and possible strengthening of advertising restrictions, especially those aimed at or accessible to minors including online platforms.
The Commission also emphasises the need to use monitoring indicators to assess the effectiveness of measures in reducing underage gambling.
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
