Overall Indicators and GGR Structure of the Spanish Market in 2024

Spain continues to firmly hold its position as one of the largest and fastest-growing gambling markets in Europe. In 2024, the country’s gambling market set new records, with the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reaching a historic €1.45 billion, a 16.9% increase compared to the previous year. The growth in 2024 is primarily driven by the expansion of online games, particularly online casinos and sports betting, as well as changes in legislation and marketing strategies aimed at attracting new players.

However, it is important to note that 2023 was also a significant year for the Spanish gambling market. The regulator DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego) reported that the gross gaming revenue amounted to €1.24 billion, reflecting a 28.4% growth compared to 2022. This was the most significant increase since 2017, and the market continued to grow despite stricter regulations and restrictions introduced to enhance control over the industry.

In this article, we will examine in detail the key trends, indicators, and characteristics of the Spanish gambling market in 2024, focusing on the role of legality, regulations, and innovative solutions. We will also analyze how changes in the legislative and marketing environment affect operators and players, and provide forecasts for the future development of the gambling market in Spain.

Spain continues to show growth amid changes in legislation and improvements in the economic situation. As mentioned earlier, in 2024, gambling revenue in Spain reached a record €1.45 billion, which represents a 16.9% increase compared to the previous year. However, it is important to understand that the Spanish gambling market continues to grow, considering that it has already been developing steadily for a long time. In 2023, the market also showed an impressive growth of 28.4%, and the dynamics in 2024 are a continuation of this positive trend.

GGR Structure

The main sources of revenue in Spain’s gambling market in 2024 are:

1. Online casinos accounted for €730.7 million (50.2% of the total GGR). This is a 17% increase compared to 2023, highlighting players’ sustained interest in online games, especially in the context of digitalization.
2. Sports betting amounted to €608.86 million (41.9% of the total GGR), showing an impressive growth of 23.8% compared to 2023. This segment continues to occupy an important place in the gambling industry, with an increase in the number of sports events and a growing interest in online betting.
3. Poker in 2024 accounted for €100.01 million (6.9% of the total GGR), showing a slight decline of 5% compared to the previous year.
4. Bingo and other games account for the remaining share of revenue. Bingo, as a game type, remains popular, but its market share has noticeably decreased.
5. The Spanish gambling market attracts investors due to its variety of gaming segments and the opportunity for profit from both online casinos and sports betting, as well as other popular verticals.

Online Casinos: Leading Trends

Online casinos continue to be the leader among all types of gambling in Spain. In 2024, online casino revenue reached €730.7 million, which accounts for more than half of the total market revenue. The main reason for the popularity of online casinos is the accessibility of games and the high mobility of platforms. Moreover, in recent years, operators have actively implemented new technologies, which has improved the quality and diversity of games, enhancing the user experience.

Classic slots continue to hold leading positions among players. Of the total revenue from online casinos, classic slots accounted for €472.2 million, which is 64.6% of the segment’s total GGR. Slot machines with diverse themes and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to attract players. The number of progressive jackpot games has also increased, making this segment more attractive.

Live games (live roulette, live poker, and others) are becoming increasingly popular, and in 2024, live roulette generated €208.8 million, which is 28.6% of the total online casino revenue. The popularity of live games is due to the fact that they offer players the atmosphere of a real casino and the opportunity to interact with live dealers, making the game more exciting and authentic.

Sports Betting: Key Growth Drivers

Sports betting remains an important part of the Spanish gambling market. In 2024, revenue from sports betting amounted to €608.86 million, showing a growth of 23.8% compared to 2023. It is important to note that the growth of sports betting in Spain is driven by increasing interest in football, tennis, basketball, and esports, as well as the improvement of the technological infrastructure for online betting.

Betting operators are actively investing in mobile applications and platforms, ensuring maximum convenience and accessibility for players. In-play betting, virtual sports, and esports events are the main growth drivers for this segment.

Poker: Declining Interest and Reasons

Although poker in 2024 remains part of the gambling market, its revenue has decreased by 5% compared to 2023, amounting to €100.01 million. This is due to a decline in players’ interest in online poker, as competition from other gambling types, such as sports betting and casinos, has increased. However, operators continue to develop the poker segment, offering players tournaments, promotions, and other types of games to maintain audience interest.

Financial Indicators: Growing Interest in Deposits and Active Players

One of the key growth factors in the market is the increase in the number of active players, as well as the volume of deposits.

Deposits and Active Players

In 2024, the total amount of player deposits reached €4.58 billion, an increase of 19.6% compared to 2023. This growth indicates rising interest in legal online gambling platforms, as well as a higher level of trust from players toward online operators. Many players have become more confident in the security of their funds and prefer licensed platforms, contributing to the overall market growth.

The number of unique active players in 2024 was 1.9 million, a 21.7% increase compared to 2023. On average, 1.4 million players remained active monthly, which is also a good indicator. It is important to note that operators continue to work on improving conditions for users by introducing various bonus programs and enhancing the user experience.

The total number of active accounts in 2024 reached 3.8 million, a 26% increase compared to 2023. This indicates a high level of player engagement and sustained interest in gambling.

Affiliate Marketing and Bonuses as Growth Drivers

Affiliate marketing, as a way of promoting gambling brands, continues to show steady growth. In 2024, operators spent €56.3 million on affiliate programs, accounting for 10.7% of the total marketing budget. This confirms the importance of affiliates in attracting new users and increasing traffic.

However, marketing expenses aimed at bonuses for players remain the largest in the overall marketing budget. Operators spent €261.5 million on bonuses, which accounted for 49.69% of the total marketing budget, a 30.84% increase compared to 2023. Bonuses such as free spins, deposit bonuses, and other promotions play a key role in retaining players and attracting new users.

Legislative Changes and Restrictions: How They Affect the Market

The Spanish gambling market remains one of the most strictly regulated in Europe. In 2024, several advertising restrictions were lifted for operators, allowing for significantly expanded marketing opportunities. However, despite the relaxation of some prohibitions, strict restrictions remain in legislation, especially regarding advertising and sponsorships.

Sponsorships of sports events, broadcasts, and products targeted at minors are prohibited. This ban has led operators to be more cautious when selecting platforms for placing advertisements.

Spain continues to strengthen its position in the market, remaining one of the most attractive and rapidly developing gambling markets in Europe.

Online Betting Market in Spain: Dynamics and Innovations

One of the fastest and most noticeable segments of the Spanish gambling market is the online betting sector, which has shown significant growth in recent years. In 2024, sports betting amounted to €608.86 million (41.9% of the total GGR), a 23.8% increase compared to 2023. This figure continues to confirm that sports in Spain are not only a favorite pastime but also an attractive object for gambling investors.

Real-Time Betting Growth

Sports betting, especially in real time, is becoming increasingly popular in Spain. In 2023, the sports betting sector showed an incredible growth of 36.6%, which was made possible by the success of in-play betting. Players can bet on events as they happen, making the process more exciting and engaging. This trend is seen across Europe, and Spain is no exception. Online operators, offering such bets, can significantly increase their audience engagement and improve the user experience.

Esports as an Important Part of Sports Betting

Another notable trend is the growing interest in esports. Spain has become one of the countries where esports is actively developing, attracting more and more bettors. Video game championships, such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike, gather a huge audience, and betting on these events is becoming increasingly popular. In 2024, esports betting grew by 25%, confirming the high attractiveness of this niche for the younger generation of players, accustomed to digital content.

Continued Growth of Online Casinos: Slots and Live Games

As in 2023, online casinos in Spain maintain their dominant role among all forms of gambling, but there are important changes in player preferences. In 2024, classic slots account for a significant share of online casino revenues, generating €472.2 million (64.6% of the segment’s total GGR). Progressive jackpot slots, multi-line slots, video slots with 3D graphics, and various themed slots based on movies and popular TV shows are becoming increasingly in demand.

However, it should be noted that in recent years, there has been a growing interest in live games such as live roulette, live poker, and others. These games, providing a real casino experience with live dealers, account for a significant part of online casino revenue in Spain. In 2024, revenue from live roulette reached €208.8 million, an increase of 10.35% compared to the previous year. This segment continues to attract players who appreciate the atmosphere of a real casino and the opportunity to interact with other participants through chat.

Impact of Mobile Technologies on Online Games

Mobile technologies have a significant impact on the growth and development of the online casino market. Spanish players are increasingly choosing mobile versions of their favorite games, allowing operators to attract new users. In 2024, about 70% of all players playing online casinos in Spain used mobile devices for their bets. This trend is also accompanied by improvements in mobile applications, offering faster access, better bonuses, and improved interfaces.

Tightening Control Over Advertising and Marketing

According to data published by the DGOJ, in 2023, a series of new measures were adopted to limit gambling advertisements, especially regarding the youth audience. Sponsorship agreements with events targeting youth were prohibited, and advertising related to gambling can now only be placed during limited hours — from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Publishing promotional materials on social networks is also now limited. Operators can only place ads for users who have already subscribed to their pages and cannot exceed these audiences. These measures are aimed at reducing the impact of gambling advertisements on minors and creating a healthier and safer environment for players.

New Measures to Prevent Gambling Problems

Spain is actively developing a system for self-limitations and self-exclusions for players who risk developing a gambling addiction. Operators are now required to notify players if their behavior suggests a risk of gambling problems. If suspicious patterns are detected, such players must be warned about the possible consequences. Operators are also required to provide players with the opportunity to set limits on their deposits and time spent playing.

Development of Responsible Gambling and Strengthening Legislation

Along with industry growth, more attention will be paid to creating safe conditions for players. Regulators will continue to implement measures to protect players and prevent gambling addiction problems. Legislative initiatives to limit advertising and protective measures for minors will continue to evolve, with operators needing to comply with new requirements to ensure safety and responsibility in their business.

Thus, the gambling market in Spain continues to develop and demonstrates steady growth, despite tightening regulations and increased control. In 2024, the country strengthened its position as one of the leaders in Europe thanks to the growth of online casinos and sports betting, as well as the introduction of new technologies, mobile applications, and exciting game formats. However, an important part of this process remains a careful attitude toward responsibility and player protection, placing Spain at the forefront of safe and legal gambling.

In the future, the Spanish market will continue to grow, especially in segments like esports and virtual betting, and will be increasingly oriented toward innovation and technological development. Forecasts show that in 2025, Spain may once again surpass historical records for gambling revenues, maintaining its place as a key player in Europe’s gambling industry.