Staff Reporter
In 2025, online gambling laws in Spain are covered by a detailed regulatory framework. This framework exists in an attempt to allow gambling companies to prosper while, at the same time, protecting users. At the heart of the regulation is the Spanish Gambling Act of 2011 (Ley 13/2011, de 27 de mayo, de regulación del juego). This act covers all forms of gambling across the country, both on and offline. If an operator wants to do business in Spain, it must secure a license from the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).
As you read on, we’ll be taking a closer look at how this law works in reality. We’ll also be considering developments that have taken place as well as what the future may hold.
Regulatory Authorities and Licensing
Since November 2023, the DGOJ has operated under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda. It is the primary regulatory body and it has the responsibility for issuing licences, as well as drafting new regulations and supervising games. It also has responsibility for enforcing gambling laws across the country at federal level.
If operators want to offer online gambling in the country, there’s a need for more than just a single license. Firstly, there’s the need to secure a general license for each game category (such as betting, contests, or other games). Then, operators also need a single license for each specific game that falls within that category. A general license lasts 10 years and can then be renewed for another 10 years. Single licenses last between 1 and 5 years and this depends on the type of game. Of course, there are also fees involved here with an admin fee of over €10,000 and a one-time fee that exceeds €40,000.
On top of the federal regulations, Spain has 17 autonomous regions and these regions have the right to regulate gambling activities that take place in their area. This includes online and off. Every reason comes with its own regulatory body and each has its own licensing requirements. This means that the country has a variety of games that are allowed that differ from area to area.
Recent Regulatory Developments
Across the country, there were serious concerns linked to underage gambling, as well as problem gambling among those who were at the legal age. This led to Spain introducing new regulations that were much stricter, in an attempt to protect players as much as possible. Part of the worries were sparked by a study that took place in 2022. This showed that 21.5% of students aged 14-18 had some experience of gambling activities. It was this statistic that prompted the Socialist Parliamentary Group (SPG) to suggest that identity verification protocols needed to be more stringent to prevent underage players using the platform. The suggested changes were accepted and, on 27th January 2025, they were approved by Spain’s Joint Commission for the Study of Addiction Problems. While this is yet to be fully implemented, it will ensure that there are robust identification systems in place for both online and land-based gambling establishments. These new systems should help to protect younger people from the potential harm that can be caused, while still allowing those of legal age to enjoy the activity.
A Royal Decree also came into effect in 2023. This was focused on ensuring that players used sites responsibly. Provisions include the need for players to set session limits across all types of games. There was also a definition given to ‘intense gambling behaviour’. Here, players who lose €600 or more a week over three consecutive weeks are flagged. A lower threshold, of €200, applies to those who are 25 or younger. When someone is flagged, they receive warnings about their playing patterns and are banned from using credit cards for gambling transactions. This credit card ban mirrors that in the UK. although this goes further with all players prevented from using this as a payment method for gambling of any kind.
Market Dynamics and Economic Impact
Online gambling makes a huge contribution to the economy in Spain. There’s the generation of substantial tax revenue as well as the jobs that are created. The fact that the market is so regulated means that all operators have to adhere to strict rules and standards. These are all focused on fair play and protecting the rights of those using the platforms. The DGOJ closely monitors operators to ensure that they comply with advertising rules, anti-money laundering measures, and initiatives that are about responsible gambling.
Over the last few years, Spain has also looked at international collaboration in an attempt to combat unlicensed gambling. Through partnerships with other countries,as well as European Union bodies, Spain is looking to track cross-border operators in an attempt to keep all players safe.
Technological Integration and Industry Partnerships
The development of Spain’s gambling industry is closely linked to advancements in technology and strategic partnerships. For example, casino content aggregators, such as hub88.io, are part of such trends around the world by offering API integrations that streamline casino operations as a whole.
The supplying of an API framework allows operators to be connected with gaming suppliers in a secure and efficient way. As well as increasing efficiency, these types of platforms also ensure compliance with the stringent regulations in Spain, supporting the need to promote responsible gambling.
Final Thoughts
When looking at gambling regulations in Spain during 2025, it’s clear to see that these are certainly comprehensive. There is a real attempt to balance the growth of the industry alongside protecting consumers. There are stringent licensing conditions, proactive regulatory measures, and international cooperation which are all going towards providing a responsible and secure playing environment.
The industry is continuing to develop and this means that there will need to be ongoing reviews and adaptations of the regulatory framework to ensure that it stays up to date and relevant.
