Online Gambling Ad Spend Soars in Spain After Restrictions Lifted

Madrid, Spain – The online gambling sector in Spain is experiencing a significant rebound in advertising investment following a Supreme Court decision that eased previous restrictions. Jorge Hinojosa, Director General of Jdigital, a leading association in the digital gaming industry, highlighted the positive impact of the ruling.

Advertising Investment Surges

After the implementation of strict regulations on commercial communications by the former Minister Garzón, the online gambling industry faced a sharp decline in advertising activities. However, recent data from the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) reveals a notable recovery in 2024.

Advertising investments reached €203 million, marking a substantial 37.3% increase compared to the previous year. This surge indicates a renewed confidence and activity within the sector.

Industry Reacts Positively

“It’s a logical consequence after a period of brutal restriction,” Jorge Hinojosa told El País. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision has allowed operators to compete more freely in the digital space.

Hinojosa noted that the new conditions offer a chance for market stability, provided there are no further regulatory changes. He added that the lifted restrictions have enabled operators to advertise across various online platforms, including social media, video platforms, and websites, with a significant focus on digital sports media.

Second Half of 2024 Sees Peak Investment

The latter half of 2024 accounted for nearly 60% of the total annual advertising expenditure, with December setting a record for advertising investment. Hinojosa believes that the sector can maintain a stable level of advertising investment in the coming years, assuming no unexpected regulatory interventions occur.

“If there are no unexpected regulatory changes, spending will stabilize,” he stated.

Market Potential and Challenges

Hinojosa views the sector’s growth as part of a broader trend driven by economic momentum and increasing digitalization. However, he cautioned that the online gambling market in Spain remains significantly less developed compared to other countries, primarily due to the dominance of traditional, land-based gambling options.

Government Attempts to Reinstate Restrictions Fail

The government’s attempt to reinstate the annulled restrictions through a new Public Health Agency initiative was recently rejected by the Congress of Deputies. This rejection signals a continued commitment to the current regulatory framework.

Looking Ahead

The online gambling industry in Spain is poised for continued growth and stability, provided the current regulatory environment remains consistent. The sector’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of previous restrictions demonstrates its resilience and potential for further expansion.