Spain’s gross online gambling revenues have continued their steady climb upwards on onwards, seeing a generous 11% rise in Q2 of 2024 to €346.3m. While it doesn’t quite match the Q1 revenues of online gambling in Spain of €350.7m, the figure still is ahead of the equivalent quarter in 2023 by 14.6%.
Yet this is not as surprising as some may think. The pastime itself has become increasingly popular around the world, and Spain is no different. Add to this the fact that there are abundant no deposit bonus codes - especially when players choose AussieBonuses as their go-to site to sign up - then it is little to no wonder such an industry is thriving.
Online gambling in Spain has been a regulated industry since the issuance of Law 13/2011 in 2011. This has made the industry within Spain more mature than in other regions around the world, which have been slower to play catch up.
A figure of €346.3m in gross gambling revenues for the quarter represents around €7 per head of the population. While this comes nothing close to the highest gamblers in the world, Australians, who lose an average of €253 per quarter on all forms of gambling, the high, continued growth of online gambling in Spain is likely to continue to grow.
A recent study by the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council of Spain showed that half of the population indulged in gambling from time to time, however only 6.6% of the population did so online. This fact in itself is perhaps the most interesting part of the equation. If only 6.6% of the population gamble online, that equals around 3.1 million Spaniards. This means that the average online gambler in Spain spends around €469 a year on this particular pastime.
The study also reports a higher incidence of online gambling among younger men, with around 23% of men aged between 26 and 45 reporting they played online. For 52% of women who reported they gambled, over half only reported playing the lottery, and no other gambling activities. The lottery is a protected category in Spain, as it is run by the government. This means that no other operators are allowed to run lotteries in Spain legally.
Like many other regions, Spain has witnessed an explosion of online gambling options over the past decade. From in-country operations to off-shore casinos, the sheer volume of available online gambling sites and apps is a blessing for those who like to take a gamble, as well as a point of difficulty - as there are so many to choose from.
From online slots to blackjack and sports betting, the online options available in Spain are broad. As Canarian residents will know, there are plenty of land-based options available, too. Players can choose from the Casino Playa de las Americas, Garn Casino Costa Meloneras, Gran Casino Antigua Fuerteventura, and more around the islands. On the mainland, there are similarly grand and fun places to choose from.
Industry regulations for gambling in Spain are covered by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling, which happens at the country level, however, the regions in Spain are also allowed to regulate gambling - both online and offline - within their jurisdiction.
This is why you’ll find different gambling options available in different parts of the country, as well as right here on the islands. As different regions make different progressive moves in online gambling, the gambling industry expands further and opens up for customers.
It’s not just Spain that’s experiencing an upward tick in online gambling, the practice is trending up globally. As everyone has their vices, the digital avenue provided by online gambling has proven to be wildly popular.
Now that almost everyone in the world has a smartphone in their pocket and 24/7 internet access, it gives people a chance to indulge in some of their favourite digital activities at any time. For some people, it's social media scrolling, watching reel after reel, for others it’s gaming, exploring other worlds, and battling other players from across the globe, and for others, it’s a chance to play the slots or put down a bet on a football game for the chance of a win.
With regionalised online gambling, providers are offering super-personalized services, games, and styles of play. This type of regional hyper-focus has made these providers more appealing to those who gamble online. When it’s easy to sign up, play in your local currency, and cash out easily, online gambling proves hard to beat for those people who like to take a gamble now and then - or even on the regular.
Gamble Responsibly: Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. Always gamble within your financial means and set limits to stay in control. You must be 18 or older to participate in gambling activities. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from organisations like FEJAR (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados) at www.fejar.org. Stay safe and gamble responsibly.
