Remote gaming in Spain has significantly increased in the past year. Experts attribute this change to the return of welcome bonuses, which reappeared after a 4-year hiatus. The latest report by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) highlights a 21.71% increase in the number of active player accounts in 2024 compared to last year.
Online Gambling on the Rise in Spain: Key Points
- According to the latest report published by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), online gambling increased by 21.71% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- The number of active player accounts currently stands at close to 2 million (1,992,889). The government attributes the reintroduction of welcome bonuses in April 2024 as the primary driver behind the growth.
- The return of casino welcome bonuses is the result of a partial annulment of the Royal Decree 958/2020 by the Spanish Supreme Court, which stated that casino bonuses should be governed by law and not decree.
Welcome Bonuses Luring Players Back to Online Gambling
According to the latest DGOJ annual gambling report, also cited on the official website of Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, gambling participation in 2024 increased by 21.71% compared to the previous year. The number of active players currently stands at nearly 2 million (1,992,889).
The government attributes this growth to the reintroduction of welcome bonuses, which were banned in 2020. The promotional offer was reinstated following the partial annulment of Royal Decree 958/2020 by the Spanish Supreme Court, which ruled that gambling offers should be governed by law rather than decree.
This brought new players back to online gambling sites, reversing the trend of low player sign-ups. New players may face a learning curve as they get familiar with bonus terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, max cashout limits, and bonus timelines, along with the platform’s interface and payment terms.
Spanish gambling operators generated €1.45 billion GGR in 2024, representing a 17.61% YoY growth. Casino games contributed €730.7 million, closely followed by sports betting at €608.8 million, poker with €100 million, and bingo with €14.94 million. Every segment, except poker, reported a rise in net profits. Gambling companies spent €526.30 million on promotional campaigns.
While €261.53 million was spent on marketing, €203 million was invested in advertisements, €56.32 million was allocated to affiliate marketing, and €5.45 million was spent on sponsorships. The demographic segregation of active players found that 80% are males, with 85.7% of them aged between 18 and 45 years.
What Lies Ahead for the Regulated Gambling Market?
The latest report by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) and endorsed by the Responsible Gambling Council highlights the growing influence of gambling promotions on consumers. A study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that regulations on gambling promotion may limit new players.
However, an outright ban on gambling commercials has little to no effect on active player activity. Since the Royal Decree 958/2020 came into effect, player registrations dipped by 55% in 2023. However, with the return of welcome bonuses, new players are flocking back to gambling platforms.
Pablo Bustinduy Amador, Minister of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, announced plans to reintroduce the ban on welcome bonuses through an amendment to the Customer Service Law, which is in the pipeline. Spanish lawmakers are unanimously stepping up efforts to enhance consumer protection, such as safeguarding players from bonus abuse.
For example, the government imposed over €140 million in penalties on gambling operators in 2024. This was part of a broader initiative within the Spanish Gambling Policy Council, as per the provisions of the updated licensing procedures, prioritising player safety and fostering a sustainable future for the sector.