Spain Proposes Stricter ID Checks to Tackle Adolescent Gambling

_{Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez leads efforts to tighten gambling regulations. (Image: Associated Press / Alamy)}

Spain is a destination well known for its glorious sunshine, beautiful beaches, picture postcard villages and of course, fantastic nightlife, including some top-class casino destinations. Now the country that offers us sun, sand, sea and sangria is clamping down on underage gamblers.

The Spanish Ministry of Health is preparing a report on underage gambling, prompted by concerns from the government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The issue of gambling addiction in adolescents will be tackled by the introduction of stricter ID checks. 

Checks Will Apply to Land-Based and Online Operators 

The proposed measures will require land-based and online casinos to verify the age of users to prevent those under 18 from accessing gambling activities. This includes checks at slot machines and other gambling devices. 

The government aims to reduce the online availability of gambling games and promote less addictive game mechanics. 

A study from 2022 indicated that 21.5% of children aged 14-18 had engaged in gambling, highlighting the urgency for these measures. 

With regard to the evolution of the types of gambling, patterns amongst the younger population have changed. In online bets, there is a noted drop in eSports, from 34.4% in 2021 to 21.8% in 2023, and a weight loss in sports betting, from 40.6% in 2021 to 35.2% in 2023. 

As for face-to-face gambling, the largest increase is in slots, from 17.7% in 2021 to 27.5% in 2023, followed by bingo (29.4% vs. 35.9%). 

The proposal is being made in light of gambling market growth in Spain's second quarter of 2024. 

The proposals are currently being reviewed by a committee and need to pass a vote in the Congress of Deputies before moving on to the Senate for final approval. Gambling operators already conduct identity checks as part of other regulations.