Spain’s DGOJ Presents Compulsive Gambling Detection Model in Paris

Spanish Gaming Authority Shares Insights on Addiction Prevention at International Forum

The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), Spain’s online gaming regulator, participated in an international conference on gambling addiction hosted by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) at the Palais du Luxembourg in France.

The conference, titled “Addiction aux jeux d’argent: un enjeu collectif majeur” (Gambling Addiction: A Major Collective Challenge), featured DGOJ Director Mikel Arana presenting Spain’s model for detecting risky gambling behaviors.

The DGOJ stated that the conference aimed to assess the critical responsibility of identifying and supporting individuals struggling with gambling problems, while also promoting public policies and identifying areas for improvement.

Participants emphasized comparative analysis and the exchange of perspectives to highlight best practices and future strategies.

DGOJ’s Presentation

During his presentation, Arana detailed Spain’s experience in developing a mechanism for detecting risky gambling behaviors. This initiative aligns with commitments outlined in Royal Decree 176/2023, which aims to create safer gaming environments.

Arana explained that the detection model is based on the actual gambling behavior of individuals medically diagnosed with gambling disorder.

The DGOJ highlighted the collaboration between academic research and administrative action, emphasizing its effectiveness in protecting vulnerable individuals.

“The Spanish experience serves as an excellent example of how fruitful the interaction between the academic and research world and administrative activity can be, oriented, as in this case, towards greater protection of vulnerable people,” the DGOJ stated.

The international colloquium was opened and closed by Isabelle Falquot-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ. Notable speakers included Heather Wardle, Chair of the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling, and Guillaume Airagnes, Director of the Observatoire français des drogues et des tendances addictives, along with other experts in health, research, and gaming regulation.