Spain is developing an AI system to track 60 gambling risk indicators, following a survey showing teens lack information on gambling dangers.
Spain’s gambling regulator, the DGOJ, plans to use AI to monitor over 60 behavioural and transactional indicators in online gambling. Consequently, the system will track real-time patterns linked to risky behaviour and enable operators to intervene early.
The initiative stems from the 2023 Royal Decree on Safer Gambling Environments. The decree required the DGOJ to create tools that reduce gambling-related harm. Officials call the system a potential benchmark for the continent and the most advanced oversight model in the European Union.
Detection of hidden warning signs
The system uses the XGBoost machine learning algorithm to analyze variables such as session frequency, betting after wins or losses, and deposit and withdrawal patterns. Additionally, it monitors cash-out habits, consecutive days of play, and live betting preferences.
Live betting receives particular attention due to its fast pace and impulsive risk. The AI will also flag behaviours linked to winning or losing streaks, which studies show may indicate developing gambling problems.
The DGOJ opened a public consultation until Sept. 25. Stakeholders, including operators, tech firms, researchers, and citizens, can provide input on the system’s technical and legal design. This consultation builds on the regulator’s ongoing restructuring efforts.
The AI system monitors sports betting, poker, and casino games, but excludes lottery products from SELAE and ONCE. Therefore, it misses the most popular form of gambling in Spain. Critics argue this exclusion could limit the system’s effectiveness in preventing gambling harm.
The Royal Decree allows a two-year development period, but the DGOJ has not announced beta testing timelines. Moreover, the regulator has not explained how risk scores will be standardized across different platforms.
Related articles
Personalized interventions aim to prevent problems early
The system’s risk scores will help operators provide targeted interventions. Instead of blanket restrictions, operators can respond to individual patterns. For example, AI could trigger cooling-off periods, deposit limits, or direct customer contact.
This proactive approach may prevent serious problems before they arise. However, the DGOJ has yet to clarify mandatory operator actions or standardized intervention protocols. Spain positions itself as a leader in AI-driven gambling regulation. Nevertheless, its success will depend on full implementation and operator compliance.
That's all for now. Stick around for more betting news, guides, and updates on esports.gg.
