Spanish Gambling Market Sees Significant Growth, Fueled by Digital Access and AI

The Spanish casino and betting market experienced substantial growth in 2024, with revenues surging nearly 30% in the last quarter of the year, according to the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). This growth is part of a larger global trend, driven by increased access to digital gambling and technological advancements.

The commercial gambling industry has been robust, but the rise of digital gambling opportunities has led more players to explore online casinos and betting from their computers and mobile devices. This, combined with better internet access and advanced devices, has significantly boosted the economy, both in Spain and worldwide.

Global Growth Projected at 4.5% Annually

A report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, published earlier this year, forecasts the global gambling market to grow at an annual rate of 4.5%. This growth is expected to generate over $220 billion by 2030, a considerable increase from the $160 billion estimated in 2023. If this prediction holds true, the global gambling market will expand by over $60 billion in just a few years.

Several factors contribute to this growth, most notably the increased accessibility of technology needed to access casino games and sports betting on mobile devices. More liberal legislation also plays a significant role, as seen in Spain.

Liberalized Legislation Drives Market Expansion

In April 2024, the Spanish Supreme Court ruled that previous restrictions on gambling companies’ marketing efforts violated free market competition rights. Consequently, most of these limitations were lifted.

Gambling companies gained the freedom to advertise on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, video streaming services like Twitch, and collaborate with influencers and sports figures in various campaigns. The results have been remarkable. According to the DGOJ, the number of users with active casino accounts increased by 21.80% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The last quarter of the year saw gross gaming revenue (GGR) of nearly €410 million, a 29.82% increase year-over-year.

Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Gambling

Experts at ResearchAndMarkets also highlight artificial intelligence (AI) as a key factor in the rising revenues in the gambling market. Just as other industries have begun using AI to optimize production, AI is predicted to become more prevalent in both casino game development and gambling platforms.

For example, AI can be used to tailor more personalized recommendations for players and offer a more interactive and technically enhanced user experience.