The IIS Aragón and AZAJER sign an agreement to develop preventive strategies against gambling in Aragon.

Through the Mental Health Research Group (GIIS017), led by researchers and professors Javier García Campayo and Yolanda López del Hoyo, will promote innovative actions to reduce the risks of gambling in our Autonomous Community. This signature confirms the commitment of both entities to the investigation and prevention of gambling.

The Aragonese Association of Gambling Players in Rehabilitation (AZAJER) and the Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon) have signed a Collaboration agreement with the aim of developing preventive strategies against gambling in AragonAt the forefront of this action is the Mental Health Research Group, from the IIS Aragón, directed by the Researchers and professors at the University of Zaragoza Javier García Campayo and Yolanda López del Hoyo.

Gambling has serious repercussions on people's health and well-being, affecting not only those who develop problem gambling behaviors, but also their families and communities. According to a study led by the University of Zaragoza, during 2024, 25% of young people in Aragon between 16 and 25 years old are exposed to gambling, with a notable increase in problematic behaviors related to online gambling and mass advertising. Therefore, both AZAJER and the IIS Aragón agree on the need to implement effective measures for its prevention and approach..

In Spain, in 2024, people played 33.847 millones de euros (according to data from the Gaming Business Council). A high amount that comes from the budgets of many players and their families, in many cases causing damage, not only at the level of the person who plays and his family, but also to the community and society in general. Javier García Campayo, psychiatrist, researcher at the IIS Aragón and professor at the University of Zaragoza, emphasizes that "the harms of gambling go far beyond those affected by a gambling disorder. From a public health perspective, effective measures to reduce harm must include not only actions aimed at individuals, but also strategies to reduce risks at the social, community, and interpersonal levels. As gambling grows and takes on new forms, prevention must adapt and be effective, prioritizing the protection of particularly vulnerable populations, such as young people." Yolanda López del Hoyo, member of the 'Mental Health Research Group and researcher and professor at the University of Zaragoza, also highlights that "collaboration with AZAJER in the design, evaluation, and implementation of these preventive strategies is essential to maximize their impact."

For its part, AZAJER maintains the firm conviction that gaming and betting are a public health problem. "This agreement is a commitment to continue working for its prevention within a framework of scientific and research guarantees. At AZAJER, we have been working in prevention and treatment for more than 35 years. Collaborating with the IIS Aragón is a mutual gesture of recognition of the work of both parties, uniting efforts, vision, and objectives to continue raising awareness about the importance of working in coordination for mental health", highlights Miriam Gañán, director of AZAJER.

Innovative projects for the prevention of gambling

Within the framework of this collaboration, the Mental Health Research Group is developing two pioneering projects that will be implemented in this agreement. On the one hand, "“GAMBL-OUT”, An innovative project funded through file EXP2022/008902 of the Government Delegation for the National Drug Plan corresponding to funds from the European Union's Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, which has already begun the clinical trial phase in institutes. Its main tool is a escape room Designed to prevent risky gambling behaviors. Through this immersive experience, participants face the mission of saving "Lucas," a fictional teenager who has developed gambling-related problems. During the game, participants solve puzzles and challenges that allow them to understand the risks associated with gambling and foster empathy for those suffering from this disorder.

In addition, the group is working on the design of a risky gambling detection tool using gamified assessment in an online gambling prevention program for university students: “GAMBL-HID. This research project proposes the creation of an online program with two main objectives: the detection of risk profiles for developing problem gambling or gambling disorder among young people, and the prevention of the problem developing in this group.

Precisely, the On May 9, a conference entitled "Gambling, a Public Health Problem. Presentation of the GAMBL-OUT and GAMBL-HID Project" will be held. which will feature the presence of policymakers, researchers, and clinical professionals from all over Spain, to delve deeper into and learn more about this issue.  

With this agreement, AZAJER and the IIS Aragón strengthen their Commitment to research and prevention of gambling, implementing actions that promote public health and reduce the harm associated with this problem.

Imain image: DFrom left to right: Javier García Campayo, Mental Health Research Group, IIS Aragón; Miriam Gañán, Director of AZAJER; Óscar López, Executive Director of IIS Aragón; and Yolanda López del Hoyo, Mental Health Research Group, IIS Aragón.