Casinos & Gambling Industry in Spain
Spanish citizens have been fond of gambling. It’s probably considered their favorite mode of entertainment. Spain is known for its thriving gambling sector, as its gross gaming revenue (GGR) grew by 13.7% in 2020. Many casinos and gambling establishments in Spain provide a wide range of services. Some are in major cities, others in smaller towns or villages.
The Spanish gambling industry is diverse and includes online casinos, sports betting, bingo halls, and horse races. In addition, there are also many virtual casinos that software companies have developed to provide online gaming services for people all over the world. This can be done through a web browser or mobile device.
It has been growing at an impressive rate for over half a century. In addition to being an excellent way to spend time with friends and family members, it also helped them escape from their daily lives and rest from their daily routine stressors. Today, the government has taken steps to regulate this industry so that it will not become corrupt and harmful to society.
Online Gambling Laws in Spain
Spain has regulated and legalized online gambling since 2011 through Law 13/2011. This law was implemented with the approval of a long set of regulations. Since then, all types of gambling have been allowed, including sports betting, casino games, and poker.
The main objective of this regulation is to protect and promote the interests of consumers, especially minors, and to ensure that Internet gambling does not affect Spain’s economic and social development. The regulations also aim to establish safety standards for operators and players, who must be registered with an appropriate authority. In addition, players must meet specific minimum criteria, such as being above 18 years old.
Companies who plan to conduct online gambling in Spain must first obtain a General License valid for ten years. This is different from the specific license they need to acquire for a particular type of game they plan to offer on their website.
Payment Methods in Spain
The online gambling industry in Spain is booming. The country has become one of the world’s leading countries in online gaming. As a result, many players worldwide have started using this opportunity to make some extra money.
To do so, they need to choose an online casino that offers them a wide range of payment options. This means they can use their preferred payment method at any time and place. The following are some of the most common payment methods available at online casinos in Spain:
E-Wallets
- Skrill
- Paypal
- Neteller
- ecoPayz
Credit/Debit Cards
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Visa Electron
- Maestro
Mobile Payments
- Siru
- Boku
Prepaid Cards
- Paysafe Card
Apart from the ones mentioned above, most online casinos also offer bank transfers as their mode of payment. Also, note that some online casinos may or may not offer the payment methods mentioned above. Therefore, you should double-check the payment methods available on your chosen online casino site.
How to Bet Online in Spain
There are a few ways to bet online in Spain. The first option is to use an e-sports betting site, such as Bet365 or Unibet. These sites have been around for a while and offer good odds and various games. They are also regulated by the government and offer casino games and sports betting.
The second option is to use a bookmaker with a Spain-based website. This can be as simple as signing up for an account at Betfair, which has many Spanish-based customers already registered with them, or you can sign up with other bookmakers that allow you to bet from any country in the world.
The third option is to visit one of the many casinos that have emerged in Spain over recent years. These sites are popular with tourists and locals who want to place bets on football or other sports events.
Online Games in Spain
Gaming in Spain has seen much growth in recent years, especially with the introduction of online gaming. The country has been able to fully explore its legal gaming platforms, which has allowed the industry to flourish right after regulating gambling in its country. Online gaming has been legal in Spain since 2012, making it easier for players to enjoy their favorite games on any device, including their mobile phones and tablets. This has made it possible for the industry to grow fast, especially with the growth of smartphones and tablets.
FAQ for Spanish Players
Are Online Casinos in Spain Safe?
Yes. Law 13/2011 was established to provide safe gambling conditions and promote healthy gambling activities.
How High is Gambling Today in Spain?
Spaniards are fond of gambling, and since it has been legalized in their country, the number of people in Spain who gamble is quite a lot. According to annual studies, around 85% of Spaniards have gambled.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Spain?
Yes. Online gambling has been regulated and legalized in Spain for over a decade.