By Classifying Problem Gambling as a Psychological Disorder, Spain Adds Innovative Self-Exclusion

The diversity of self-exclusion efforts will peak in Spain's healthy market with a new classification for problem gambling.

In a proactive protection measure, Spain has upgraded its classification of problem gaming to a full mental disorder.

The Classification Approval

Spanish gambling regulator Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) has updated its 2019-20 Responsible Gaming Program with the designation of problem gambling as a mental disorder, with the measure approved by the Responsible Gaming Advisory Council (CAJR).

Roll-out

The measures are set to be rolled out in the opening months of the year as DGOJ continues to promote more responsible gambling across Spain.

The reclassification is certainly the key issue: the DGOJ and CAJR are already at work compiling a list of key variables so that operators can identify players exhibiting problem gambling behavior, and maintain data regrading the number of people being treated for the issues.

DGOJ Policy

The DGOJ looks forward to using this data for benefits such as improving decision-making; and guiding public policies in this area to address the social impact of problem gambling.

The DGOJ will further carry out an in-depth study of the Spanish self-exclusion system General Registry of Access to Game Interdictions (RGIAJ) for further regulatory and operational improvements.

Proactive New Study

The new study will gather information on the number of consumers participating; the personal backgrounds and situations of players; and the operators or sites where they have gambled.

The DGOJ has committed to a proactive approach at the policy level:

“Although the evaluation of the operation and results of the RGIAJ is highly satisfactory it is necessary to reflect on those aspects that require adaptations and improvements.”

Innovative Flagging System

Another innovative measure the DGOJ has committed to is the establishment of an alert system to flag potential ID fraud during the registration process.

The DGOJ called the system a “complement to “the rest of the work that the DGOJ is doing to reinforce the guarantees of the identity verification process prior to the activation of user registration.

The DGOJ provides licensed operators with a player verification system that identifies players, while committing to further “value-added services” to address the challenges.

Outlook

In a market that has shown strong performance since its inception, Spain's new classification should maximize pro-activity on the self-exclusion front to provide even more resilience to an already strong market.