The Canary Islands are well-known for their dramatic landscapes, mild climate, and booming tourism industry, but they also offer a unique gambling scene that is open to locals and tourists. Whether you enjoy casinos on shore, sportsbook gambling, or a reliable online casino gaming experience, knowing the legal status and alternatives can help you to make informed decisions.
This article looks at the laws, venues and trends that characterise gambling in the Canary Islands, offering a glimpse of what is unique to island gambling.
Gambling in the Canary Islands is controlled by Spanish law and is regulated by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). The national regulator is in charge of all gambling, online or otherwise, to verify that operators adhere to strict licensing requirements and responsible gambling principles.
However, the Canary Islands also have a certain level of autonomy in governing land-based gambling centres. The government there enforces other regulations in respect to physical casinos, gambling shops, and lotteries, adapting rules to the unique needs of the area.
Recent regulatory reforms such as Royal Decree 7/2024 have also fortified controls over gambling marketing and gambling shop siting in proximity to educational institutions and residential areas. The controls aim to restrict gambling risk to a minimum without jeopardising a fair and open gambling system.
For those who enjoy the atmosphere of a physical casino, the Canary Islands offer several high-quality establishments, including:
Entry to casinos is typically restricted to patrons aged 18 or older, with a need to provide identification. Some places also maintain a dress code, so it is a good idea to check ahead of time to determine requirements.
With the rapid growth of online gambling, many of the locals and tourists in the resorts of Canary Islands turn to online casinos for convenience. The players get to enjoy a variety of different games such as slots, poker and live dealers in their homes or hotels.
However, Spanish gambling laws mandate that online casinos obtain a DGOJ license to be allowed to provide services legally in Spain. Licensed sites guarantee:
For those wanting a true casino experience, live dealer games have become extremely popular. The live dealer games allow players to interact with live dealers via video streaming, adding a live casino ambience to a virtual platform.
There is a high concentration of licensed betting shops across the islands, where locals and tourists place their bets on football, basketball, horse races, and other sports.
Spain’s national lottery, or Lotería Nacional, is also widely used in the Canary Islands, offering massive draws such as El Gordo de Navidad, which can be a life-changing win. The lotteries are legalized and operate strictly in line with rules to provide transparency and honesty. The lotteries are legalized and operate strictly by rules to uphold transparency and honesty.
The Canary Islands have been a favourite holiday destination for many years for sunshine, recreation and amusement. In more contemporary times, gambling tourism has become increasingly popular, with overseas tourists adding a casino to their tour itinerary.
Many luxury hotels also boast in-hotel casinos, enabling visitors to enjoy their recreation in conjunction with gambling. Some of the visiting cruise liners also provide casinos on their boats, offering a different avenue of amusement to tourists.
The local government is interested in developing gambling tourism as a key aspect of its economic growth strategy, yet ensuring a balance between business expansion and responsible gambling is a concern that needs to be upheld.
The Canary Islands gambling industry is set to continue evolving in response to regulation, innovations in technology, and changing players' preferences.
For both locals and tourists, remaining up to date on these developments allows for a secure and pleasant gambling experience in adherence to local laws. Whether you prefer the rush of a land-based casino or the convenience of a virtual one, the Canary Islands boast a diverse range of gambling options in a highly regulated system.
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.
