Spain’s gambling regulator DGOJ will administer a new research fund worth €950,620 to study gambling-related harm. The grant programme was announced by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 and published through Spain’s official state bulletin. The money will support projects focused on the prevention, effects and risks linked to gambling activity.
Universities and health bodies can apply
The call is open to public and private universities, health institutions, non-profit organisations and research centres. Applicants must show that they already carry out research linked to gambling studies or related harm-prevention work.
The projects must fit one of six research areas set by the DGOJ. These include early detection of risky gambling behaviour, mental health and financial harm, prevention tools, links between videogames and gambling, business structures in gambling products and gender-related impacts.
The scope shows that Spain is looking beyond problem gambling treatment alone. The regulator also wants evidence on product design, player behaviour and how gambling risk may develop before harm becomes severe.
Youth and hybrid products remain in focus
The fund follows the DGOJ’s Safe Gambling Programme 2026-2030, which gave more focus to minors, young adults and new gambling-like products. That programme raised concern over loot boxes, social casino games and other hybrid mechanics that can make gambling-style behaviour feel normal before a person enters the regulated betting market.
It also called for stronger evidence to support policy decisions. Gender-sensitive research is also part of the funding call. Spanish authorities want projects that examine how gambling harm affects different groups and whether prevention measures need to be adjusted for those differences.
Funding call follows ad reform consultation
The research fund comes days after the DGOJ opened a public consultation on changes to Spain’s Gambling Regulation Act. The proposed amendments include tighter rules on the use of celebrities and influencers in gambling advertising.
The consultation also considers whether gambling ads should appear only when a consumer directly searches for betting brands online. That would give licensed operators fewer ways to promote gambling products in Spain.
Spain has used research funding before to support gambling-harm policy. In 2023, the DGOJ selected 26 research projects to share €1.3 million in grants, with studies covering prevention, intervention and treatment of gambling-related disorders.
