The Spanish gambling regulator, DGOJ, has once again opened discussions on a proposal that would require all iGaming operators to use a single algorithm to identify players showing signs of gambling addiction.
Operators are already required to identify such players, but each uses its own screening methods. DGOJ wants to establish uniform rules for everyone, while operators will still be able to conduct additional checks independently.
How the screening will work
Operators will have to run the screening every month, within the first seven days. The algorithm will analyze player activity over the previous 183 days.
The system will take into account deposits, withdrawals, bet amounts and frequency, gaming session duration, canceled withdrawals, and other indicators.
Based on this data, the system will identify players showing signs of gambling addiction.
What will happen to players in the risk group
Restrictions already apply to these players. Operators cannot send them advertising, offer bonuses, or enroll them in VIP programs.
There are also restrictions on account funding. Players may only use their own payment methods, and funding accounts with credit cards is prohibited.
At the same time, using screening data for advertising and other commercial purposes will be prohibited. The algorithm itself will only be able to analyze players’ actions on the platform. Data from social media, private correspondence, medical information, and other third-party information cannot be used.
Players will be able to challenge the screening results if they believe the system incorrectly classified them as being in the risk group.
The proposal was first introduced back in 2025, but it has now been revised to take into account comments from Spain’s data protection authority.
The changes have not yet been adopted. DGOJ reopened discussions on October 13, and comments are being accepted until October 22, 2026. If the proposal is approved, the new rules will take effect two months after official publication.
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