Spain develops AI system to monitor 60 indicators of gambling risk

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In response to a survey revealing teenagers are uninformed about the risks of gambling, Spain is designing an advanced AI system aimed at monitoring sixty potential signs of gambling hazards.

The Spanish gambling authority, known as the DGOJ, is considering utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scrutinize approximately 60 factors related to behavior and transactions in online gambling platforms. As a result, this AI system will identify patterns associated with potentially risky behavior in real-time, allowing operators to take prompt action if needed.

The initiative originates from the 2023 Royal Decree, which focuses on Establishing Safer Gambling Environments. This decree mandated the DGOJ to develop mechanisms aimed at minimizing gambling-related risks. The system is being hailed as a potential standard for the continent and one of the most sophisticated oversight models within the European Union by officials.

Detection of hidden warning signs

This system employs the XGBoost method for data analysis, focusing on factors like how often sessions occur, betting tendencies following victories or defeats, and trends in deposits and withdrawals. Furthermore, it keeps track of withdrawal patterns, continuous play days, and inclinations towards live betting.

Live betting attracts notice because of its rapid speed and spontaneous nature, carrying an element of unpredictable risk. The AI is designed to detect patterns associated with winning or losing sequences, behavior that research suggests could point towards escalating gambling habits.

The Department of Game and Online Jurisdiction (DGOJ) is accepting public feedback until September 25th. Various parties such as operators, technology companies, researchers, and citizens are invited to share their thoughts on the technical and legal framework of the system. This consultation is an extension of the regulator’s ongoing restructuring process.

The AI system is designed to oversee sports wagers, poker, and casino games, yet it does not cover lottery offerings from SELAE and ONCE, which are quite prevalent in Spain. Some critics express concerns that this omission might reduce the system’s ability to minimize potential gambling-related harm.

As an enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating news about the beta testing for our favorite games, given the Royal Decree granted a two-year development period. Unfortunately, the DGOJ has yet to share any timelines for these tests. Furthermore, it would be great if they could clarify how they plan to ensure that risk scores are consistently calculated across various platforms, making the gaming experience fair and enjoyable for all.

Personalized interventions aim to prevent problems early

The risk ratings assigned by the system will enable operators to offer tailored solutions rather than general restrictions. This way, they can address specific behaviors instead, for instance, using AI technology to institute temporary bans, set maximum deposits, or initiate personal communications with customers.

Adopting this forward-thinking strategy could potentially ward off significant issues before they occur. Unfortunately, the DGOJ has yet to specify exactly what actions operators must take or establish standard intervention procedures. Spain aspires to be a pioneer in AI-guided gambling legislation. Yet, its achievement relies heavily on thorough execution and operator adherence.

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2025-09-10 23:11