Spanish Online Gambling Market Continues Upward Trajectory in Early 2025
Spain’s online gambling market is showing no signs of slowing down, with the first quarter of 2025 posting impressive growth figures. According to a report by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), the Spanish gambling regulator, gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached €398.1 million, a 13.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
Key Drivers of Growth
Several factors contributed to this surge in online gambling activity:
- Increased Player Numbers: The number of online gamblers in Spain reached 1,992,889 in 2024, a substantial 21.71% increase from the previous year.
- Marketing Investments: Gambling operators have significantly increased their marketing spending, attracting new players to the online space.
- Reintroduction of Promotions: The reinstatement of promotional offers, such as €10 free registration bonuses for online casinos, following the overturning of certain restrictions, has also played a role.
- Eurocup Success: Spain’s victory in the Eurocup last year likely boosted participation in sports betting.
Casino and Sports Betting Lead the Way
The online casino segment emerged as the primary revenue driver, generating €203.6 million, a 20.6% increase year-on-year. Slot games proved particularly popular, experiencing a remarkable 42% growth. Sports betting also performed strongly, with revenue reaching €165.9 million, an 11.2% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, poker and bingo experienced declines of 10.3% and 13.5%, respectively.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Beyond the financial data, the DGOJ is actively promoting responsible gambling. The regulator presented its model for detecting at-risk players at an event in Paris, organized by the French regulator (ANJ). This initiative aims to harmonize responsible gaming policies across Europe and establish consistent preventative measures. The DGOJ also demonstrated its commitment to market integrity by sanctioning 14 operators with fines totaling €77.4 million and prohibiting them from operating in Spain for two years.
European Context and Market Evolution
Spain’s online gambling market aligns with a broader European trend of growth in the digital gaming sector. The rise of mobile technology, 5G connectivity, and interactive entertainment options are driving this expansion. The Spanish market has adapted well to these changes, and demand remains robust.
Record-Breaking Year Followed by Continued Growth
2024 was a record-breaking year for GGR in Spain, reaching €1,454.59 million, a 17.61% increase from the previous year. The number of players and marketing spend also saw significant increases. Despite expectations that these figures might not be sustainable, the latest data suggests that the momentum is continuing. Deposits and withdrawals both experienced substantial growth in the first quarter of 2025, indicating a healthy and active market.
“The balance between market expansion and user protection is a key challenge for the sustainability of online gambling. Everything seems to indicate that Spain is reaching that precious balance.” – Erik King, industry specialist.
Looking Ahead
The strong performance in the first quarter of 2025 suggests that the year will be another prosperous one for the Spanish online gambling sector. The DGOJ’s focus on responsible gaming and market integrity, combined with the continued growth in player numbers and revenue, paints a positive picture for the future of online gambling in Spain.
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