Spain’s online gambling sector has reached a stage of regulatory maturity and economic consolidation, with a stable framework under the Spanish Gambling Act and operators licensed by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). The regulatory focus has shifted from market expansion to responsible gambling and consumer protection, with stronger rules on advertising and safer-gambling measures driving political and judicial debate.
Key discussions in 2025 include proposals for joint deposit limits across all licensed operators to monitor player risk more holistically, and the creation of a registry for gambling software providers to improve traceability and accountability within the supply chain. However, delays in authorising certain live gaming formats and reopening licensing windows have slowed innovation and new market entry.
An urgent challenge is the need to strengthen identity-verification systems, as current methods have proven insufficient against rising identity fraud, raising concerns for consumer protection, anti-money-laundering integrity, and payment security.
A recurring theme is the balance between consumer protection and channelisation — overly restrictive rules, especially on advertising and bonuses, risk weakening the regulated market’s visibility and unintentionally pushing players toward unlicensed operators. Evidence suggests that proportionate regulation helps steer consumers toward the legal market more effectively, supported by enforcement and appealing regulated offerings.
Despite tighter rules, the regulated online gambling market continues to grow, reflecting robust demand. Fiscal incentives in Ceuta and Melilla have made these territories hubs for online gambling investment. Public discourse often emphasises restrictive narratives, complicating balanced debate about innovation and regulation.
Looking to the near future, priority areas include reviewing advertising restrictions, improving cooperation with tech providers to reduce illegal gambling, and integrating AI tools for player monitoring and compliance, while maintaining data protection and ethical oversight.
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