Spain Seeks Stricter ID Checks to Curb Underage Gambling
Spain is moving to implement more stringent identification protocols within its gambling industry, aiming to reduce the participation of minors in both online and physical gambling activities. This action follows a 2022 study highlighting that over 20% of Spanish students aged 14 to 18 had gambled in the past year.

Parliamentary Group Proposes New Measures
The Socialist Parliamentary Group (SPG) has proposed new data requirements for the gambling sector. This move came before the government released a report.
The report was expected to show a decrease in problem gambling and underage participation. The SPG’s proposal responds to a 2022 study on addictions.
It revealed 21.5% of students aged 14 to 18 had gambled for money. This was either online or in person, within the previous 12 months.
Focus on Early Prevention
The SPG concluded that gambling participation among young people increases with age. This highlights the “essential” need for early prevention.
It aims to mitigate potential personal and social harm.
An official statement explained, “[The proposal] urges the government to implement identification systems in gambling machines and slots to control the access of minors and self-excluded people, as well as to promote a design and structure of online games that are less addictive.”
Legislative Process Underway
The “Joint Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems” reviewed and accepted the proposed amendments on January 27. The next step involves a majority vote in the Congress of Deputies. This is the lower house of Spain’s legislative branch.
If approved, the resolution will pass to the Senate for final approval. There is no set date for the debate on this legislation. It will be added to the Congress of Deputies’ agenda.