Spain Imposes Over EUR 33 Million in Fines on 32 Gambling Operators
Massive Fines Issued by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs
Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030 has recently levied fines exceeding EUR 33 million (around $38 million) on 32 gambling operators. This enforcement includes severe penalties against six foreign companies operating without proper licenses within Spain.
Details of the Fines and Regulatory Actions
The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) announced that six operators were penalized for very serious violations, each receiving a fine of EUR 5 million (approximately $5.75 million) and facing domain closures. The affected offshore operators include XYZ Entertainment, Moonrail Limited, EOD Code SRL, Samaki, Lone Rock Holdings, and Novaforge.
In addition to these, 26 licensed gambling companies were fined for serious infringements of Article 40 of Spain’s Law 13/2011, which governs gambling activities. Collectively, these companies were fined EUR 3.5 million (about $4.03 million), with penalties proportionate to their respective breaches.
Intensified Enforcement and Regulatory Impact
The Ministry highlighted that during 2025, under the leadership of Pablo Bustinduy’s department, a total of 58 serious and very serious sanctions have been issued, amounting to nearly EUR 111 million (about $127.7 million). Since the regulatory reforms implemented in July 2021, there have been 212 public sanctions totaling roughly EUR 496 million (approximately $570 million) in fines.
Recently, Spain has strengthened its control over the gambling sector by enforcing stricter regulatory measures. The country also hosted the International Gaming Congress, which showcased Spain’s ambitions in policy leadership and its expanding role among European Union regulators. This event gathered senior government officials, industry operators, academics, and experts to discuss the gaming industry’s responsibilities.
Breakdown of Additional Penalties
The Ministry also announced 26 further serious penalties totaling EUR 3 million (around $3.46 million) for various regulatory violations. Among this group are prominent companies such as Betfair, 888 Online, and Codere.
For instance, 888 Online was fined EUR 250,000 (about $290,000) due to failure to comply with technical standards for software and communications systems, including the use of unapproved technology. Similarly, Beatya Online received a EUR 300,000 ($347,000) fine for related issues. Betfair was penalized EUR 100,000 (approximately $116,000) for not adhering to player protection and responsible gambling requirements.
Electraworks Ceuta faced a fine totaling EUR 512,000 (around $592,000) for allowing access to gambling by prohibited individuals, utilizing unauthorized technical systems, and not complying with software technical standards. Codere was also fined EUR 17,500 (about $20,000) due to non-compliance with software requirements.
