Today, 29 October 2026, Spain marks Día Sin Juegos de Azar. The awareness day draws attention to the health, social and family consequences of gambling. The focus is on minors and young adults, who official surveys identify as being at increased risk of problem gambling. Associations, regional health services and the Plan Nacional sobre Drogas are using the day to provide information and prevention advice.
The school survey ESTUDES 2025 (Encuesta sobre uso de drogas en Enseñanzas Secundarias en España) is a key source of data. It monitors leisure activities and addictive behaviour among young people aged 14 to 18, including gambling. The report by the Observatorio Español de las Drogas y las Adicciones places the findings within the field of so-called behavioural addictions and compares them with earlier surveys. Specific prevalence figures vary according to the definition and measurement tool used; the analysis provides authorities and specialist services with a basis for prevention in schools and communities.
Several autonomous communities have announced information and awareness-raising measures for today. In Aragon the Gobierno de Aragón and local authorities are highlighting counselling services, teaching materials and workshops intended to raise awareness of the risks of sports betting, online casinos and other forms of gambling. Patient organisations and self-help groups offer accessible support for those affected and their families. The focus is on education, effective access restrictions for minors, and expanding counselling and treatment.
Problem gambling is described by specialists as a behavioural disorder with wide-ranging effects: those affected may suffer considerable psychological distress, social isolation and financial losses, often placing a strain on family and friends as well. Health authorities stress that prevention for young people should start early — through education at school, within families, and by clearly regulating advertising and access to services that are not legally available to children and young people.
The information presented here is based on publications by the Plan Nacional sobre Drogas, ESTUDES 2025 and regional announcements. Forecasts about future prevalence or new regulations go beyond the available evidence and are therefore not made. This report is prompted solely by today’s Día Sin Juegos de Azar; the statistical sources cited are from ESTUDES 2025.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).