In 2026, the Spanish Government consolidated an increasingly rigorous regulatory framework for online gambling, aimed at enhancing user protection and introducing technological tools for preventive control. These measures represent an evolution of the so-called "Royal Decree on Safe Environments" and are applied with great severity in the regulated national market. The authorities' intention in this regard is to promote a more transparent, responsible, and safe gambling environment, reducing the risks associated with problematic gambling and combating potential unfair practices by operators.
Global deposit limits
One of the most significant measures in this regard is the introduction of a system of global deposit limits that applies to the entire online gambling market. In the past, each operator managed limits individually, whereas the new regulation establishes a single limit for each user, valid simultaneously across all accounts opened with authorized operators. Therefore, it is more important than ever to know what the best online casinos available to Spaniards are, so that online gambling can be a safe and enjoyable pastime. In this way, the authorities will be able to more effectively monitor the total amounts deposited by each player, preventing limits from being circumvented by spreading expenses across multiple platforms. The measure aims to reinforce users' self-control and prevent excessive gambling behaviour before it can become a real problem.
Restrictions on advertising and bonuses
At the same time, Spain is working on further tightening the regulations governing online gambling advertising. The new proposals foresee stricter restrictions on the use of celebrities, brand ambassadors, and influencers in promotional campaigns, which are considered particularly effective in reaching younger audiences. Welcome bonuses and promotions aimed at attracting new customers will also be subject to stricter controls, with the aim of limiting potentially aggressive or misleading commercial messages. The authorities are also evaluating measures to reduce the visibility of gambling-related content in search engines, allowing it to appear mainly to users who conduct searches explicitly related to the sector.
Early detection through artificial intelligence
Another pillar of the Spanish strategy focuses on the use of advanced data analysis systems based on artificial intelligence. Operators will be required to use tools capable of early detection of behaviours considered risky, such as sudden increases in betting, particularly prolonged gaming sessions, or frequent attempts to exceed established limits. Thanks to these systems, it will be possible to activate personalized preventive interventions, such as automatic alerts, suggestions for breaks, or additional checks on user behaviour. The approach aims to shift the focus from merely managing consequences to actively preventing problematic gambling phenomena, leveraging the potential offered by new technologies to ensure greater consumer protection.
Obligation to provide biometric data and identity verification
The new provisions will also strengthen user identification procedures. To counter the constant rise in fraud, identity theft, and access by unauthorized persons, operators will be required to adopt increasingly advanced verification systems, integrating advanced digital procedures and, in cases provided for by the regulations, biometric tools to confirm the player's identity. The aim is to ensure that each account is associated with a properly identified person and that all economic transactions are conducted in a fully traceable context. This additional level of control will also help to enhance the security of transactions and improve the ability of supervisory authorities to monitor the regulated market.
You may also like
