Spain Experiences Significant Rise in Online Gambling Despite Tight Regulations

Sharp Increase in Online Gambling Activities

Recent data from Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and 2030 Agenda shows a notable growth in online gambling across the country. The latest report, compiled by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) and endorsed by the Responsible Gambling Advisory Council in July, highlights a striking 21.63% rise in the number of active online gamblers over the past year. This surge has raised concerns among regulators and public health professionals.

The Impact of Aggressive Bonus Promotions

The report links this growth to the revival of “welcome bonuses,” a marketing strategy that had been restricted under Spain’s 2020 Royal Decree on gambling advertising. Earlier expectations that strict controls on advertising and promotional offers would decrease gambling-related problems now seem challenged by this comeback.

A 2023 study from the Harm Reduction Journal found that the Royal Decree contributed to a 55% reduction in new gambling accounts between 2020 and 2023. However, as bonus-driven promotions regain popularity, recent statistics show a reversal of this trend. In 2024, the average monthly active gambling accounts surged by 23.48%, reaching 1.43 million, while new registrations climbed by 34.73%, averaging 151,898 per month.

For the first time, the annual report included data from Spain’s regional governments, offering a more detailed view of gambling trends across different areas. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs considers this greater transparency a significant step forward, enabling better understanding and regulation of the gambling landscape nationwide.

Robust Growth in the Gambling Market

The increased player participation translated into record revenues for Spain’s gambling operators. In 2024, the industry reported gross gaming revenues of 8.1 billion euros (approximately $9.38 billion). Online casinos generated 730.7 million euros ($845.7 million), while sports betting brought in 608.85 million euros ($704.7 million). Poker, once a mainstay of online gaming, accounted for a more modest 100 million euros ($115.7 million).

The resurgence in online sports betting has been particularly notable, fueled by live sports and traditional betting formats, with revenues growing by 23.8%, marking the highest increase among gambling sectors. Correspondingly, operators increased their marketing budgets, spending over 526 million euros ($608.7 million) in 2024. Of this, approximately 261 million euros ($302 million) were allocated to promotions, and 203 million euros ($234.9 million) went toward advertising.

Challenges Ahead for Regulation

Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the social impacts of gambling, these figures suggest potential challenges ahead. Even with advertising restrictions in place, the appeal of digital promotions and aggressive marketing tactics remains strong and difficult to regulate. As gambling deposits rise and more Spaniards engage in online gambling, policymakers face the complex task of implementing protective measures that safeguard consumers without undermining a lucrative and rapidly growing industry.