Spanish Gaming Authority Addresses Identity Theft Risks in Online Gambling

The Spanish Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) recently convened a meeting with medical and scientific experts to discuss the growing problem of identity theft in the online gambling sector. The focus was on raising awareness of the risks and developing preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable groups like young people.

The meeting, held on May 21, 2025, brought together representatives from the DGOJ, the scientific section of the Advisory Council on Responsible Gambling (CAJR), and medical professionals from the Madrid City Council. The aim was to share findings from the PACS protocol and brainstorm new strategies for prevention and awareness.

Identity Theft and Emerging Risks

A key topic was the presentation of the results from the Protocol for Action for Impersonated Taxpayers (PACS-2024). This protocol is a response mechanism for taxpayers whose identities have been used by others to evade taxes on gambling winnings.

Participants also discussed the dangers of sharing personal data for gambling purposes and the issue of identity theft used to allow minors, young adults, and self-excluded individuals to gamble. The DGOJ emphasized the need for more effective awareness campaigns to educate scientific and healthcare professionals about the dangers of identity theft and data sharing.

“We need to design more effective awareness strategies to alert people to the dangers associated with identity theft,” stated a DGOJ representative.

Another area of concern was the role of “tipsters,” individuals who offer betting predictions and advice for a fee, followers, or commissions. The DGOJ highlighted the risks associated with tipsters, particularly their potential to normalize gambling among young people.

The DGOJ also expressed concern about prevention programs in schools that focus on screen time but fail to address the specific risks of gambling. They advocated for alternative, more in-depth, and rigorous approaches to gambling risk education.

Expert Attendees

The meeting included key figures from various organizations:

• DGOJ: Mikel Arana (Director General), Cecilia Pastor (Deputy Director General of Gaming Inspection), Eugenio Álvarez (Deputy Director General of Gaming Regulation)
• Madrid Salud: Beatriz Mesías Pérez (Deputy Director General of Addictions)
• AdCom Clinic: Francisco Ferre Navarrete (Director)
• CAJR Scientific Section: Ángela Ibáñez Cuadrado, Néstor Szerman, Juan Francisco Navas Pérez

The collaborative effort underscores the commitment to tackling the complex challenges posed by identity theft in the online gambling environment and protecting vulnerable individuals.