The Spanish Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) has announced an algorithm that would alert to risky behaviors early.
The DGOJ announced on Friday (November 14) that it was set to launch a new algorithm that will detect risky behavior in online gambling. The algorithm was presented at the first International Gambling Congress held in Madrid, based on real microdata from bettors.
@consumogob.bsky.social presenta un nuevo algoritmo para la detección precoz del juego problemático
— Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y A2030 (@msocialgob.bsky.social) 2025-11-14T08:22:06.503Z
El algoritmo se basa en microdatos reales que identifican conductas adictivas para detectar patrones de juego problemático en las personas usuarias
Más info: www.dsca.gob.es/es/comunicac…It’s designed to identify addictive behaviors and detect patterns of problematic gambling among users, with the hope of offsetting gambling-related harm. The data was collected on gaming platforms, pulling from real people that are medically diagnosed with gambling disorders in order to model the algorithm.
Until now, the average early detection rate of risky behavior sits at around 3%. It’s estimated that detection rates could increase by as much as 10 percentage points. As well as increasing effectiveness, the algorithm would create a standardized method of detection that could then be rolled out across providers.
The next steps for the DGOJ’s algorithm
The algorithm has been described as “a revolutionary tool, both in the conception of developing public policies based on scientific evidence and in the positive effects that it will undoubtedly have for the protection of people at risk of problem gambling and their families” by Andrés Barragán, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs and Gambling.
Before it can be rolled out officially, the algorithm needs to be passed through the standard regulatory process. Once formally approved, the DGOJ intends to make its use mandatory for all gaming operators.
The development of the tool was laid out in Royal Decree 176/2023, of March 14, which fostered plans to develop safer gaming environments. Some specific measures included requiring operators to adopt mechanisms for detecting risky behavior in online gaming, as well as to implement measures to protect players. This tool could be one such means of detecting risky behavior, making it easier for operators to comply.
Featured image: DGOJ
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