Year-on-Year Growth Strengthens Spain’s iGaming Industry
Spain’s online gambling sector continued its upward trajectory in Q1 2025, generating a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €398.1 million, according to the latest figures from the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ). While this represents a slight 2.68% decline from Q4 2024, it marks a significant 13.7% year-on-year increase, highlighting sustained momentum across key verticals, particularly online casino and sports betting.
This robust performance comes as the DGOJ continues tightening regulatory frameworks while promoting responsible gambling. The regulator also made headlines this week for presenting its risky player detection model at a major regulatory summit hosted by France’s ANJ in Paris, showcasing Spain’s evolving stance on consumer protection.
Casino and Sports Betting Drive Growth
The casino vertical led the market with €203.6 million in GGR, up 20.6% year-on-year. Notably, online slot machines surged by 42%, underscoring their increasing popularity among Spanish players.
Trailing closely, the sports betting segment generated €165.9 million, growing by 11.2% compared to Q1 2024. The growth likely reflects strong consumer engagement with both pre-match and in-play markets, particularly during high-profile European football fixtures.
In contrast, poker and bingo reported declines. Poker revenues fell by 10.3%, bringing in €25.52 million, while bingo slipped by 13.5%, contributing only €3.63 million to the overall total. These figures may suggest waning interest in traditional formats or increased competition from newer gaming experiences.
Player Activity and Market Dynamics
Player engagement continues to intensify, with deposit volumes up 23.85% and withdrawals up 29.4% year-on-year. Compared to the previous quarter, deposits rose by 8.1%, and withdrawals by 10.6%, reflecting increased liquidity and user activity.
The number of new player accounts climbed by 14.4% from Q4 2024, while marketing expenditure rose modestly by 1.74%. These trends suggest a stable but competitive acquisition landscape where operators are investing to capture and retain market share.
Regulatory Landscape: Enforcement and Player Protection
The DGOJ also recently sanctioned 14 operators, issuing €77.4 million in penalties and banning the companies from operating in Spain for two years. These enforcement actions follow growing concerns around illegal or non-compliant operators, reinforcing Spain’s commitment to a safe and transparent gambling environment.
In a separate announcement, the DGOJ’s 2024 executive summary revealed a 21.6% increase in active players, pointing to a steady expansion of the regulated market.
Conclusion: A Maturing and Heavily Regulated Market
Spain’s online gambling market is showing clear signs of maturation, with strong performance in casino and betting, increased consumer participation, and a regulatory body focused on risk mitigation and player protection. While challenges persist in segments like poker and bingo, the overall outlook remains positive, supported by sound governance and innovation in responsible gambling tools.
As the DGOJ sharpens its focus on data-driven enforcement and international collaboration, Spain is emerging as a model for balancing commercial growth with regulatory oversight in the European iGaming ecosystem.
