Spain gambling rises 20% after welcome bonuses return

In 2024, Spain recorded a notable surge in online gambling engagement, with participation levels rising by 20% compared to the previous year. This growth, which brought the total number of active online gamblers to nearly two million, is largely attributed to the temporary reintroduction of welcome bonuses, a promotional tool that had been banned in the country since 2020. The sharp uptick in gambling activity has since prompted serious discussions at the legislative and regulatory levels, with renewed efforts to curb promotional practices that officials say may undermine consumer protection.

Statistical insight: Who is gambling in Spain?

According to the latest Report on Gambling Activity in Spain, issued by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, the total number of active online gamblers stood at 1,991,550 in 2024. This represents an increase of 459,266 players compared to the previous year, a spike that analysts and policymakers say corresponds closely with the reinstatement of promotional incentives.

The demographic analysis within the report reveals a gender imbalance, with approximately 80% of all active online players identifying as male. Moreover, a substantial majority—85.7%—fall within the 18 to 45 age bracket. This demographic trend aligns with global patterns observed in online gambling markets, where younger male populations are more likely to engage in digitally accessible gambling platforms.

The return of welcome bonuses and the legal backdrop

The return of welcome bonuses in early 2024 followed a key legal shift, after the Spanish Supreme Court partially overturned Royal Decree 958/2020. The decree had introduced stringent restrictions on gambling promotions, notably enforcing a total prohibition on the use of welcome bonuses. The Court ruled that such restrictions must be enacted through legislation, not ministerial decree, thereby creating a legal opening that allowed operators to resume promotional campaigns pending new statutory regulations.

As a result, gambling operators moved swiftly to exploit the regulatory gap. Industry-wide marketing expenditures in 2024 soared to €526 million. Of this, €261 million was invested in player promotions—primarily welcome bonuses—€203 million on general advertising, and €56 million on affiliate marketing efforts.

The reintroduction of these incentives proved effective. Many operators reported significant increases in new account registrations and user activity, particularly in the second and third quarters of the year. Critics, however, argue that these tactics rekindled predatory marketing behaviours that had previously been curtailed.

Economic outcomes: An industry on the rise

The spike in user participation translated directly into economic gains for Spain’s gambling sector. Total profits from gambling activities exceeded €8 billion in 2024. Of this, €1.45 billion was attributed to state-licensed online gambling activities, demonstrating the significant contribution of digital platforms to the national gambling economy.

Casino games remained the top contributor within the online vertical, generating €730.7 million in revenue. Sports betting followed with €608.8 million, while poker, once a staple of online gambling ecosystems, registered a decline—yielding just €100 million in 2024. Analysts suggest the downturn in poker reflects a broader trend of market fragmentation and growing consumer preference for faster-paced or higher-yield games.

Political response and regulatory intentions

Reacting to these changes, Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda, revealed intentions to reinstate the prohibition on welcome bonuses. His proposal involves an amendment to the upcoming Customer Service Law, which is expected to provide a robust legal framework for regulating gambling promotions.

According to Minister Bustinduy, “Consumer protection must remain at the heart of our national gambling policy. We cannot permit aggressive marketing practices to endanger vulnerable users or undermine regulatory progress.”

The proposal also coincides with an increase in enforcement actions. In 2024, more than €140 million in fines were imposed on gambling operators for various regulatory breaches, ranging from marketing violations to failure to adhere to deposit limits.

Broader reforms in Spanish gambling regulation

The policy environment around gambling in Spain has grown increasingly dynamic. In addition to advertising and marketing concerns, the Spanish Gambling Policy Council recently endorsed several reforms aimed at strengthening player safety and market integrity. These include updates to licensing procedures and new provisions related to mandatory deposit limits for online players.

The Council’s measures reflect a shifting regulatory philosophy that seeks to balance the commercial viability of the gambling industry with public health priorities. Authorities have also expressed interest in expanding the use of behavioral analytics to detect problematic gambling behavior early and intervene with appropriate safeguards.

The role of the Cruks system and data transparency

While Spain does not currently operate a centralized self-exclusion system akin to the Netherlands’ Cruks (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen), recent discussions within the Gambling Policy Council have included proposals to develop a similar tool. The aim would be to provide users with a streamlined mechanism for excluding themselves from all licensed operators through a single request.

Advocacy groups have welcomed such proposals but continue to push for greater data transparency and independent oversight. Several consumer rights organizations have called for mandatory quarterly publication of gambling operator revenues, bonus issuance, and player complaints.

Industry lobbying and the future of welcome bonuses

Despite the government’s push toward stricter regulation, several gambling companies and trade groups have begun lobbying to preserve welcome bonuses in some limited form. These stakeholders argue that welcome promotions are standard practice in most regulated markets and can be implemented responsibly through content limitations, maximum thresholds, and opt-out functionality.

However, lawmakers have thus far shown little inclination to compromise. Given the political momentum and prior legal setbacks suffered by regulators, most observers expect the proposed ban on welcome bonuses to pass within the next legislative session.

Public sentiment and the path forward

Public opinion in Spain appears increasingly skeptical of aggressive gambling advertising. A 2024 survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics revealed that 62% of respondents favored tighter restrictions on online gambling marketing, while only 18% supported the continuation of bonus-driven user acquisition campaigns.

With regulatory momentum building and a growing chorus of public concern, the re-banning of welcome bonuses seems all but certain. Still, the Spanish gambling market remains robust and resilient. If carefully managed, the sector could continue to provide significant fiscal contributions while better aligning with consumer protection goals.

Conclusion

Spain’s sharp 20% increase in online gambling participation during 2024 underscores the powerful impact that promotional policies—especially welcome bonuses—can have on user behavior in the digital gaming sector. While this surge has delivered economic gains for licensed operators and the broader industry, it has also reignited regulatory and ethical concerns, particularly around consumer protection and the targeting of younger demographics.

The temporary return of welcome bonuses, enabled by a judicial review of the existing regulatory framework, has proven to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it revitalized the market and attracted new players; on the other, it exposed gaps in the current legal architecture and drew criticism for potentially enabling problematic gambling habits. In response, Spanish authorities are moving swiftly to close these gaps through legislative means, signaling a firm commitment to safeguarding public welfare over short-term commercial interests.

Looking ahead, the Spanish government appears determined to reassert control over promotional practices and strengthen oversight through new legislation and policy reforms. Initiatives such as tighter deposit limits, potential self-exclusion tools, and greater transparency in marketing activities point to a regulatory environment that is evolving toward greater accountability and consumer focus.

Ultimately, Spain’s experience serves as a cautionary case study for other jurisdictions navigating the balance between gambling industry growth and public health imperatives. As the country prepares to reintroduce its ban on welcome bonuses, it reinforces a broader European trend toward prioritizing responsible gambling over aggressive commercial expansion.

FAQs

What triggered the recent rise in online gambling activity in Spain?
The 20% rise in gambling activity was largely triggered by the temporary reintroduction of welcome bonuses following a court ruling in early 2024.

Why were welcome bonuses previously banned in Spain?
They were banned under Royal Decree 958/2020, which aimed to curb potentially harmful gambling marketing practices and enhance consumer protection.

How many people are actively gambling online in Spain?
In 2024, Spain recorded 1,991,550 active online gamblers, nearly two million users.

What demographic is most represented among online gamblers?
Most active players are male (80%) and between 18 and 45 years old (85.7%).

What was the Supreme Court’s ruling on gambling promotion laws?
The Court ruled that restrictions on welcome bonuses should be implemented by law, not by ministerial decree, thereby allowing a temporary return of these bonuses.

How much did gambling operators spend on marketing in 2024?
Operators spent a total of €526 million, including €261 million on promotions and €203 million on advertising.

What are the government’s next steps on gambling regulation?
The government is preparing to re-ban welcome bonuses through an amendment to the upcoming Customer Service Law.

Are there any other reforms under consideration?
Yes, the Spanish Gambling Policy Council is also updating licensing rules and deposit limits to improve consumer safety.

What segments of online gambling are most profitable?
Casino games and sports betting led revenues, while poker was the only segment to experience a decline in 2024.

Is Spain planning a self-exclusion system like other countries?
Yes, proposals to create a centralized self-exclusion system similar to the Dutch Cruks are currently being discussed by regulators.