Responsible Gambling Research Takes Centre Stage in Global Policies

Explore how Spain, Denmark, and the US are investing more in responsible gambling research to protect players and promote safer gambling.

The movement towards responsible gaming isn’t new, but it has gained significant momentum in the iGaming industry worldwide.

More and more regulators and industry leaders are investing millions in key initiatives, research, preventative and educational measures, all to keep the vulnerable safe.

Some of the most recent focus points include Spain, Denmark, and the US, which are making more effort to create a more secure gaming environment where players are protected and know how to play responsibly.

Spain’s €1 million research grant scheme for 2025

The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has recently launched a €1.05 million research grant dedicated to responsible gaming initiatives. Public and private institutions have been invited to apply, as the goal is to find together solutions that can reduce gambling harm, especially among those at risk and minors.

The initiative started in 2023, so this is not the first time such a grant has been offered. The projects they are looking for are data driven and focus on prevention strategies and technological innovation. This way, the government shows its priorities lie in reducing gambling-related harm and promoting transparency and accountability.

The DGOJ specifically explained that all proposals must contribute to the goals of Spain’s gambling regulations and Responsible Gambling Strategy, whose main focus is long term policy reform and behavioural insights.

Denmark sustains its multi-year investment in prevention

At this moment, Denmark can pride itself on one of the lowest reported rates of gambling disorder (0.67%) worldwide. Generally, Danish online casinos and betting platforms are considered pretty safe. Still, the country is on a mission to source more and more solutions for responsible gambling and strengthen its protection.

The Danish government prepared DKK 10 million (which is around €1.3 million) for RG initiatives. These funds go directly into research, awareness campaigns and support programs for minors, families, and vulnerable groups.

The Danish Gambling Authority says they are working with mental health professionals and educational institutions to inform the public about the risks of gambling addiction. The end goal here is to create more public service announcements and take part in school-based interventions.

Some of the more recent updates show that the program is placing more focus on evaluating the effectiveness of current self-exclusion tools, early detection algorithms and preventing compulsive gambling behaviours with digital nudges.

US steps up with research funding

The leading operators in the United States are increasing their contributions to responsible gambling research. Recently, Caesars Entertainment made a $200,000 donation to the International Centre for Responsible Gaming (ICRG).

ICRG is a non-profit organisation focused on doing scientific research on gambling disorders. The funds are channelled into ongoing studies on gambling addiction, early intervention and the digital harms linked to online betting.

Heather Rapp, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Caesars, said that research is essential to building safe gaming environments. And their support can only aid in ensuring the gaming industry is ‘guided by the best available science’.

It’s a great move from Caesars Entertainment, considering that US gambling regulations are currently tightening rules regarding responsible gaming tools and advertising, as online sports betting is quickly spreading through the states.

New AI-powered responsible gambling hub launch

AI has also become an important part of the latest RG initiatives. The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) is one of the founding members of the new Responsible Gaming Hub. The latter is an AI-driven initiative specifically created to advance safer gambling practices.

The Hub utilises machine learning and data to identify early signs of risky gaming behaviour, enhances real-time monitoring, and provides personalised player intervention. This platform is developed in collaboration with addiction specialists, regulatory authorities and academics. On top of that, its founding members are committed to ethical data use and transparent reporting.

According to a ROGA spokesperson, AI tools can revolutionise responsible gaming by providing tailored interventions based on real-world behaviour rather than assumptions. The idea is to create smarter, faster responses to address and help manage risks.

Still, one has to be aware of the dangers AI poses to modern gambling. But if used consciously and responsibly, AI could undoubtedly become key to helping with problem gaming issues and better protecting players.

Do you enjoy this article?

Share your experience on Trustpilot

By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

Learn about our Review Process

Anything incorrect or missing?

Last updated: June 4, 2025

Let us know

Most Popular

Pragmatic Play's mega slot releases worth playing in 2026

Prediction markets are coming for iGaming, and Gen Z is already there. Expert insights included

Google has blocked over 270 million illegal gambling ads in 2025

Evoke agrees to a £243m William Hill takeover by Bally's Intralot

Ontario's market success sets the stage for Alberta's upcoming launch

{"3":{"n":"Games Global","i":"11-2025\/games-global-icon.png"},"4":{"n":"NetEnt","i":"netent-icon1.png"},"11":{"n":"Novomatic","i":"novomatic-icon-1.png"},"12":{"n":"Play'n GO","i":"play-n-go-icon1.png"},"13":{"n":"Big Time Gaming","i":"btg-icon-1.png"},"14":{"n":"Barcrest","i":"barcrest-icon-1.png"},"15":{"n":"WMS","i":"wms-icon-1.png"},"16":{"n":"NYX Interactive","i":"nyx-icon1.png"},"17":{"n":"NextGen Gaming","i":"nextgen-icon.png"},"18":{"n":"IGT","i":"igt-icon-1.png"},"19":{"n":"Yggdrasil","i":"yggdrasil-icon-1.png"},"20":{"n":"EGT Digital","i":"egt-digital-icon.png"},"21":{"n":"Betsoft","i":"Betsoft-icon.png"},"22":{"n":"Evolution","i":"evolution-icon-1.png"},"23":{"n":"Merkur Gaming","i":"merkur-gaming.png"},"24":{"n":"Thunderkick","i":"thunderkick-icon.png"},"27":{"n":"Aristocrat","i":"11-2025\/Aristocrat-gaming-icon.png"},"28":{"n":"Playtech","i":"Playtech.png"},"29":{"n":"Quickspin","i":"11-2025\/quickspin-icon.png"},"30":{"n":"Bally Gaming","i":"Bally-Gaming-icon.png"},"31":{"n":"Light & Wonder","i":"11-2025\/Light-and-Wonder-icon.png"},"34":{"n":"Pragmatic Play","i":"Pragmatic-Play-icon.png"},"35":{"n":"Push Gaming","i":"pushgaming-icon.png"},"36":{"n":"Relax Gaming","i":"relax-gaming-icon.png"},"37":{"n":"Hacksaw Gaming","i":"hacksaw-gaming-icon.png"},"38":{"n":"Nolimit City","i":"nolimit-city-icon (1).png"},"39":{"n":"Amatic","i":"amatic-icon(1).png"},"40":{"n":"BGaming","i":"BGaming-icon.png"},"41":{"n":"Blueprint Gaming","i":"blueprint-gaming-icon.png"},"42":{"n":"ELK Studios","i":"elk-studios-icon.png"},"43":{"n":"Ezugi","i":"ezugi-icon.png"},"44":{"n":"Gamomat","i":"gamomat-icon.png"},"45":{"n":"Habanero","i":"habanero-icon.png"},"46":{"n":"iSoftBet","i":"isoftbet-icon1.png"},"47":{"n":"Playson","i":"playson-icon.png"},"48":{"n":"Red Tiger Gaming","i":"redtiger-icon(1).png"},"49":{"n":"Wazdan","i":"wazdan-icon(1).png"},"50":{"n":"Amusnet","i":"amusnet-icon.png"}}

{"2":{"n":"VISA & Mastercard","i":"VISA-MasterCard-Icon-1.png"},"3":{"n":"Skrill","i":"Skrill-Icon-1.png"},"4":{"n":"Neteller","i":"Neteller-Icon-1.png"},"5":{"n":"Paysafecard","i":"Paysafecard-Icon-1.png"},"7":{"n":"Pay N Play","i":"Pay-N-Play-Icon-1.png"},"9":{"n":"iDebit Canada","i":"iDebit-Icon-1.png"},"10":{"n":"Entercash","i":"Entercash-Icon-1.png"},"11":{"n":"iDeal","i":"IDEAL-Icon-1.png"},"12":{"n":"Citadel","i":"Citadel-Icon-1.png"},"13":{"n":"Payz","i":"payz-icon.png"},"14":{"n":"Sofort","i":"sofort-icon-2.png"},"15":{"n":"Bank Transfer","i":"Bank-Transfer-Icon-1.png"},"16":{"n":"Zimpler","i":"zimpler-icon.png"},"17":{"n":"PayPal","i":"PayPal-Icon-1.png"},"18":{"n":"Apple Pay","i":"Apple-Pay-Icon-1.png"},"20":{"n":"Cheque","i":"Cheque-Icon-1.png"},"21":{"n":"Bitcoin","i":"Bitcoin-Icon-1.png"},"22":{"n":"Euteller","i":"Euteller-Icon-1.png"},"23":{"n":"Trustly","i":"Trustly-Icon1.png"},"24":{"n":"Instadebit Canada","i":"Instadebit-Icon-1.png"},"25":{"n":"UPI","i":"upi-icon.png"},"26":{"n":"RuPay","i":"RuPay-icon.png"},"27":{"n":"PayTM","i":"paytm-icon.png"},"28":{"n":"AstroPay","i":"astropay-icon.png"},"29":{"n":"Jeton","i":"jeton-icon.png"},"30":{"n":"MuchBetter","i":"muchbetter-icon.png"},"31":{"n":"Interac","i":"Interac-icon.png"},"32":{"n":"Swish","i":"Swish-icon.png"},"33":{"n":"POLi","i":"poli-icon.png"},"34":{"n":"Neosurf","i":"neosurf-icon.png"},"35":{"n":"Siirto","i":"Siirto-icon.png"},"36":{"n":"Coinbase","i":"coinbase-icon(1).png"},"37":{"n":"Binance","i":"Binance-icon(1).png"},"38":{"n":"Kraken","i":"kraken-icon.png"},"39":{"n":"Ethereum","i":"ethereum-icon(1).png"},"40":{"n":"Dogecoin","i":"dogecoin-icon.png"},"41":{"n":"Litecoin","i":"litecoin-icon.png"},"42":{"n":"MB WAY","i":"4-2026\/MB-Way-icon.png"},"43":{"n":"Multibanco","i":"4-2026\/Multibanco-icon.png"},"44":{"n":"Bizum","i":"5-2026\/Bizum-icon.png"}}

Responsible gambling research takes centre stage in global policies

Spain’s €1 million research grant scheme for 2025

Denmark sustains its multi-year investment in prevention

US steps up with research funding