How to Start an Online Casino in Spain: Spain's Gambling Laws

Spain’s passionate gambling culture and structured market make it a top destination for investors. However, this isn’t a space you can enter casually. Behind every successful platform is a clear legal roadmap, a bulletproof tech stack, and deep cultural insight into what Spanish players want.

You need a strong foundation, whether you are eyeing an online casino or a sportsbook. That starts with licensing, localization, and choosing the right casino software development partner. This guide walks you through the steps to build a casino business that’s legal, competitive, and built to last in Spain.

• Technological advancements and a shift toward digital platforms have fueled the growth of Spain’s online gambling market.
• The Spanish Gambling Act of 2011 regulates the online gambling market, ensuring both growth opportunities for operators and consumer protection.
• Successful operation of an online casino in Spain requires compliance with stringent legal requirements, effective financial planning, and robust marketing strategies to attract and retain players.

Understanding the Spanish Online Gambling Market

The Spanish gambling market has seen steady growth, particularly in sports betting, online slots, and poker. As of 2024, 78 licensed operators were serving Spanish players. This translates to high competition. Online casinos generate nearly half of the country’s gambling revenue, with slot machines leading the way. Sports betting also remains a major driver.

Most online wagers come from mobile devices thanks to high smartphone adoption and fast internet. Features like live-dealer games and in-play betting also continue to boost player engagement. To further understand how to start an online casino business in Spain, you should have a close look at market behaviors, platform expectations, and cultural nuances.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Spain?

Online gambling is indeed legal in Spain and has been regulated at the national level since 2011. The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) is the authority responsible for issuing gambling licenses and overseeing all forms of online betting. To legally operate in Spain, online casino platforms must obtain a general license and specific permits for each type of game they intend to offer.

Overview of the Spanish Gambling Market

Spain’s gambling market is well-developed and consistently growing. In 2024, the total gross gambling revenue (GGR) from licensed online operators exceeded €1.45 billion. This marked a 17.6% increase from €1.24 billion in 2023.

Online gambling is the primary growth engine. Casino games, especially slots (€472.2 million) and live roulette (€208.8 million), make up 50.5% of total GGR. Sports betting operators contribute another 39.8%, thanks to popular leagues like La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

The market now serves nearly 2 million active players, with men making up 73% of online users. In contrast, women drive 52% of offline lottery participation. Player preferences show a clear shift toward mobile-first experiences, as nearly 7 in 10 online bets are placed via smartphones.

Additionally, market conditions are shaped by both regulatory stability and technological innovation. A 2024 Supreme Court decision eased advertising restrictions, leading to a 30% increase in marketing spend (€526.3 million). Of that total, €261.5 million was allocated specifically to bonuses and promotions.

Brief History of Online Gambling in Spain

The roots of gambling in Spain can be traced back to the early 20th century when traditional forms of betting gained popularity. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that online gambling began to emerge as a significant trend. During this period, Spain saw a gradual transition from traditional betting methods to digital platforms, driven by the increasing accessibility of the internet and technological advancements.

The country started regulating online gambling in 2011 with the introduction of the Gambling Act. This law created the DGOJ, the national body that oversees online gambling activities. The first licenses were granted in 2012 to allow gambling operators to legally offer online sports betting, poker, and casino games. Over the years, the market expanded with new game approvals and tighter rules on advertising and player protection.

Online Gambling Regulations in Spain

The Gambling Act of 2011 governs online gambling in Spain. It sets clear rules to ensure transparency, fairness, and player protection. The DGOJ oversees all aspects of the industry, from licensing and technical compliance to ongoing monitoring. Online casinos licensed by the DGOJ must follow detailed regulations covering responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, data security, and player identity verification. They also pay a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue to the Spanish government, along with additional regional taxes in areas like Catalonia.

The Spanish Criminal Code (Article 286) punishes illegal gambling with fines or prison terms of up to four years. As for adverts, rules introduced by the Royal Decree 958/2020 limit advertising to after 9 PM and ban celebrity endorsements. A new 2025 rule requires all gambling transactions over €25,000 to be reported, in line with EU AML efforts. Online gaming operators must also integrate self-exclusion tools and enforce deposit limits to promote responsible play and prevent gambling addiction.

Penalties for non-compliance are steep. Fines reached €50 million in 2024, mainly for violations involving targeting underage players. In addition, all platforms must comply with GDPR and Spain’s Organic Law 3/2018 on data protection. These rules keep businesses legit and build player trust.

Legal Requirements and Licensing for Online Gambling Business in Spain

Spain offers one of the best gambling licences in Europe. However, the licensing process is strict to ensure that only qualified and responsible operators enter the online casino market. Spanish authorities strongly emphasize transparency, player protection, and financial accountability. In this section, we’ll explore the steps involved in obtaining a license and what it takes to meet regulatory expectations.

Obtaining a License

To obtain a Spanish gambling license, you need to go through a structured process managed by the DGOJ. Online gambling operators need two licenses. A general license for broad categories like betting or gaming, and a specific license for particular activities such as slots, poker, or roulette.

Applicants must submit a full business plan, technical documentation, financial statements, and proof of operational readiness. Fees begin at €38,000, with additional costs depending on the license type and service scope. After approval, operators must pay annual fees and a 25% tax on gross gaming revenue. General licenses are valid for 10 years, while specific licenses last 5 years. Both are renewable based on compliance.

The DGOJ reviews each application thoroughly and may take up to 6 months. Given the complexity of the process, working with professionals who understand how to secure a gambling license is highly recommended. This ensures your application meets all regulatory, financial, and technical requirements from the start.

Registering a Company

Prospective online casino operators must register a legal entity in Spain or within the European Economic Area (EEA). This company will serve as the official license holder and must be established solely for the purpose of managing gambling operations. The registration process includes submitting the company’s articles of incorporation, tax identification number (NIF), and proof of registered office.

Additional documents, such as a corporate bank account, director identification, and shareholder structure, may also be required. The company must comply with Spanish commercial laws and maintain accurate financial records. Once registered, the entity becomes eligible to apply for gambling licenses through the DGOJ.

Compliance

Casino operators are required to meet strict compliance obligations at every stage to keep. You should implement responsible gambling measures like age verification, deposit limits, and access to self-exclusion tools like the RGIAJ registry. Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws is also essential. You are expected to carry out customer due diligence, monitor financial transactions, and report suspicious activity. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, including heavy fines, license suspension, or permanent blacklisting.

Building a Successful Online Casino Business in Spain

Every decision is critical when building an online casino, from identifying your target audience to optimizing game selection and payment options. Here, we break down how to build and scale a competitive casino brand in Spain’s regulated market.

1. Market Analysis

First, you need to shape your product offering, pricing, and promotions specially to stand out in Spain’s crowded gambling market. This is only possible via a detailed market analysis. Research player demographics, game preferences, and spending behavior to understand what local users expect from a gambling platform. For example, younger players tend to favor mobile access, fast-paced games like slots, and features such as live betting or esports integration.

Competitor analysis is another vital step. Study leading operators in Spain to find effective strategies, popular game portfolios, and marketing approaches. You should also monitor industry reports and DGOJ data to identify emerging trends and regulatory shifts.

2. Budgeting and Financial Planning

A solid financial plan helps avoid cash flow issues and ensures your business stays profitable as it grows. You’ll need to account for licensing fees, software development, marketing, staff, and legal support. Initial costs can be high, especially with the €38,000 application fee and ongoing taxes like the 25% GGR tax.

It’s important to estimate both short-term and long-term expenses. This includes platform maintenance, payment processing fees, customer support, and compliance costs. You should also set aside a marketing budget to attract and retain players.

3. Choosing a Reliable Software Provider

Choosing the right software development company saves time, reduces risk, and sets the foundation for long-term growth. A trusted casino software provider ensures smooth gameplay, strong security, and access to a wide range of popular games. Opt for companies with a proven track record in regulated markets and the ability to offer localized content for Spanish players.

Having a reliable software provider also means better backend support, faster updates, and tools to help you stay compliant with DGOJ requirements. Work with your provider to achieve a seamless integration of payment systems, bonus features, and player protection tools.

4. Creating a Website or App: Design and Development

After doing all the work to attract users, you need a well-built platform to convert and retain them. Hence, you should only work with a team that understands how to start an online gambling website and how to start a casino app.

The design should be mobile-first, with intuitive navigation and a fast loading time. Features like live chat, personalized promotions, and in-game wallets will also improve user experience and retention. Ensure your online platform supports Spanish and local payment options for local relevance.

5. Selecting Games and Game Providers

A solid game library keeps players engaged and ensures they come back for more. Slots are Spain’s most popular online casino games, followed by live dealer games, poker, and roulette. Your platform should feature a balanced mix of classic titles, new releases, and local favorites to appeal to a wide audience.

Choose reputable game providers known for quality, fairness, and seamless mobile performance. The best developers offer certified gambling and casino games, multilingual support, and flexible integration options. Remember to track player data and trends in order to adjust your game portfolio over time.

6. Payment Methods and Transaction Security

Users shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to deposit or withdraw on your gambling platform. So, fast, safe, and familiar payment options are non-negotiables. Popular payment methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid vouchers. Your casino should also support local options like Bizum to make life easier for Spanish players.

Additionally, your platform should integrate SSL encryption and fraud detection to guarantee player safety. Reliable payments and strong security build player confidence and reduce the risk of chargebacks or penalties.

Launching and Operating an Online Casino in Spain

Operating an online casino requires continuous monitoring, regulatory compliance, and strategic management. Here are some areas you should focus on after launch:

Ensuring Security and Responsible Gaming

Security and player protection are top priorities for any online casino. Your platform should use strong encryption, secure servers, and fraud prevention tools to protect user data and transactions. The DGOJ also requires regular security audits and technical compliance checks.

When it comes to responsible gambling, you need to implement tools like self-exclusion via the RGIAJ registry, age verification, and deposit limits. This is particularly important for new players. You should also ensure that clear access to support resources and responsible gaming information is available on every page.

Customer Support and Retention

Set up a customer support system to resolve your users’ issues and receive feedback. Support should be available 24/7 via multiple channels and in multiple languages, including Spanish. While AI chatbots are good for resolving basic issues, you will need human agents to resolve more complicated issues. You can also use a detailed FAQ page to answer common questions.

But it’s not enough to resolve issues promptly. You should reward new and existing players with enticing bonuses and a loyalty program. Most online casinos keep the party going by offering welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, special tournaments, and more.

Financial Management and Performance Monitoring

Strong financial control and performance tracking are necessary for your platform’s long-term growth and profitability. You should manage cash flow, handle payouts efficiently, and maintain clear financial records in line with Spanish commercial law.

Smart online casino operators also set up key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor essential metrics. Some good KPIs to set up include player acquisition costs, average revenue per user, churn rates, and conversion metrics. This helps identify what’s working and where improvements are needed. You should also use analytics tools to track trends, spot risks, and adjust strategies in real time.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies for Online Casino Business in Spain

The nature of the Spanish online casino industry makes a strong and compliant marketing strategy necessary. Focus on localized campaigns that reflect Spanish culture, player habits, and legal limits. You may use a combination of SEO, social media, affiliate partnerships, and targeted ads to reach your audience while staying within DGOJ advertising rules.

Though the relaxation of regulations in 2024 has allowed more flexibility, restrictions still apply. Promotions must be transparent, not target minors, and follow time limits. Promotions such as first deposit bonuses and free spins are good ways to attract new players. Just keep the terms clear and respect responsible gaming principles.

The Future of Online Gambling in Spain

Spain’s online gambling industry is set for steady growth, driven by mobile technology, faster internet, and evolving player preferences. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% and hit over €5 billion by 2030.

As more users are shifting to smartphones and demanding immersive experiences, platforms offering live dealer games, personalized content, and esports betting are expected to gain traction.

Regulatory developments will continue to shape the industry. New rules around transaction reporting and evolving advertising guidelines will require operators to stay agile and compliant. Meanwhile, innovation in AI-driven personalization, biometric payments, and VR gaming could transform how players interact with online casinos.

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