Spain Allocates €1.3 Million for Gambling Research Grants

In April, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in Spain initiated the application process for gambling-related research projects. This call for research proposals attracted 37 submissions from various entities, including universities, health institutions, research and development centers, and non-profit organizations. The objective of these projects is to investigate harm and conditions associated with gambling activities.

A substantial fund of €1.3 million (£1.1 million/$1.4 million) has been earmarked to support this crucial research. These grants aim to facilitate studies on disorders stemming from gambling, focusing on prevention and mitigating the risks associated with gambling.

Following a thorough evaluation by the State Research Agency, the Evaluation Commission shortlisted 26 projects for funding. This demonstrates the commitment of the Spanish government to tackle the issues related to gambling and promote responsible gaming.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that the selected projects will have an extended execution period, now set until June 30, 2024. This extension allows researchers more time to delve into their studies and provide more comprehensive insights into gambling-related issues.

These grants play a pivotal role in addressing the disorders associated with gambling and the risks that come with it. The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) stated, “These grants are aimed at carrying out research studies on disorders derived from gambling activity, with the prevention of the effects derived from said disorders or the risks associated with gambling.”

This initiative comes on the heels of a significant increase in the gross gambling revenue in Spain during the second quarter. The DGOJ reported a staggering 55.1% surge in total revenue for Q2, amounting to €312.6 million. Casino operations were the most profitable, generating €149.9 million, marking a 27.9% increase from the previous year and a 4.5% gain over the first quarter. Slot machine revenue also saw substantial growth, up by 29.9% year-on-year, and live roulette revenue increased by 8.9%.

However, the sports betting segment outshone the rest with the most impressive growth during the quarter. Sports betting revenue soared to €133.3 million, a remarkable 118.9% increase compared to the previous year. While total player deposits rose by 19.6% year-on-year, they were slightly lower than those in the first quarter, which experienced a 2.0% decrease. Withdrawals, on the other hand, increased by 3.0% compared to 2022, though they were down by 2.3% from the first quarter. The Spanish gambling market continues to evolve, and this research initiative is a significant step toward ensuring the well-being of its participants.