Spain sees significant increase in gambling revenue

Spain’s regulated gambling sector continued its recovery in the second quarter of 2025, demonstrating notable growth across casino gaming and sports betting. According to the latest data released by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), the country’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached €410.3 million in Q2, marking an 18.6 per cent increase compared to the same quarter last year and a sequential rise of 2.8 per cent from the first quarter of 2025.

This upward trend underscores Spain’s robust regulatory framework and growing consumer engagement, even amid broader economic uncertainties that have influenced consumer spending patterns across entertainment sectors.

Deposits, Withdrawals, and New Accounts

Financial activity in the Spanish gambling market also showed significant movement in Q2. Total deposits across licensed platforms reached €1.35 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 23.7 per cent, although there was a slight sequential decline of 0.4 per cent compared to Q1 2025. Withdrawals amounted to €962.9 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 28.9 per cent.

The number of new accounts created during the quarter rose by 11.7 per cent year-on-year, reaching 504,853 accounts. However, compared with Q1, new account registrations decreased by 11.6 per cent. This suggests a stabilization in market expansion following the initial growth observed earlier in the year, possibly reflecting seasonal fluctuations or market saturation effects in certain segments.

Casino Gaming Leads Revenue Growth

Casino gaming emerged as the dominant contributor to total gross gaming revenue, accounting for 52.7 per cent of GGR, equivalent to €216.4 million. This segment saw substantial growth of 25.98 per cent year-on-year and an increase of 6.53 per cent sequentially.

Breaking down casino performance by product:

• Slots posted a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.98 per cent.
• Live roulette generated higher returns with a sequential rise of 5.6 per cent.
• Conventional roulette demonstrated more modest growth, increasing by 0.47 per cent from the previous quarter.

These figures highlight the continued preference for casino-based games among Spanish players, particularly in live formats, which have been expanding rapidly due to technological enhancements and improved online engagement.

Sports Betting Shows Strong Performance

Sports betting maintained its position as the second-largest revenue contributor, generating €171.4 million in Q2, representing 41.8 per cent of total GGR. This segment experienced an 18.21 per cent year-on-year increase and a sequential rise of 2.73 per cent.

The consistent growth in sports betting can be attributed to several factors: increased international sporting events, enhanced online betting platforms, and innovative promotional campaigns by operators. The Spanish market’s regulation ensures that betting activities remain secure and transparent, encouraging more users to engage in this segment responsibly.

Decline in Poker and Bingo Revenue

Unlike casino and sports betting, poker revenue declined significantly during Q2. The segment generated €19.1 million, a decrease of 25.11 per cent compared to Q1 and a 25.23 per cent drop year-on-year. The decline was further broken down as follows:

Cash poker fell by 5.95 per cent sequentially.

Tournament poker experienced a steeper decline of 32 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

Similarly, the bingo sector also saw reduced revenue, generating €3.4 million. This represented a decline of 6.41 per cent year-on-year and 6.91 per cent sequentially. Contests and promotional competitions contributed marginally, generating €2,000 during the quarter.

The downward trends in poker and bingo may reflect shifting consumer preferences toward casino and sports betting, as well as broader demographic changes in player behavior.

Licensed Operators and Market Structure

During Q2 2025, Spain’s gambling market included a total of 77 licensed operators, encompassing various types of gaming activities:

• 52 operators provided casino games.
• 42 operators offered sports betting.
• 9 operators focused on poker.
• 4 operators ran bingo platforms.
• 2 operators managed contests.

The market composition indicates a strong emphasis on casino and sports betting, which together represent over 90 per cent of the total revenue generated in the country. The smaller number of poker and bingo operators reflects the challenges faced by these segments in attracting and retaining players.

Marketing and Promotional Spending

Marketing expenditure in Q2 increased significantly, reaching €164.5 million, a rise of 37.08 per cent year-on-year. However, quarter-on-quarter spending was slightly down, suggesting that operators are managing promotional budgets strategically to balance customer acquisition with cost efficiency.

The increase in marketing spend has been largely directed toward digital campaigns, sponsorships, and live streaming partnerships. These initiatives are designed to attract younger audiences and promote responsible gambling practices, in line with the regulatory framework enforced by the DGOJ.

Active Accounts and User Engagement

The monthly average of active accounts during Q2 rose by 21 per cent year-on-year, reaching approximately 1.7 million. However, this figure was down 2.41 per cent sequentially compared to Q1 2025.

The decline in sequential active accounts may be attributed to seasonal trends, with certain periods historically showing lower player engagement. Despite this, the year-on-year growth indicates sustained expansion and strong retention of active players within the regulated market.

Regulatory Oversight and Market Trends

The DGOJ’s latest report underscores the effectiveness of Spain’s gambling regulatory framework. By monitoring operator activities, ensuring fair play, and enforcing responsible gambling measures, the regulator maintains market integrity while fostering industry growth.

Key trends identified in Q2 include:

• Continued preference for live casino games among players.
• Growth in sports betting driven by major international sporting events.
• Declining popularity of poker and bingo, indicating a shift in player preferences.
• Strategic marketing investment to attract and retain players while adhering to responsible gambling guidelines.

The data further suggests that operators are investing in technology, user experience, and compliance measures to maintain competitiveness in a regulated environment.

Outlook for the Spanish Gambling Market

Looking ahead, the Spanish gambling sector is expected to maintain moderate growth throughout 2025. Factors likely to influence performance include international sporting calendars, technological innovations in online casino platforms, and continued regulatory oversight to ensure fair and responsible gambling.

Operators may also focus on diversifying their offerings to include new game formats and interactive betting experiences, catering to evolving consumer preferences. At the same time, the ongoing decline in poker and bingo may prompt strategic realignment in these segments to reinvigorate player interest.

Conclusion

The second quarter of 2025 has demonstrated the resilience and expansion of Spain’s regulated gambling market. With gross gaming revenue reaching €410.3 million, driven primarily by casino and sports betting, the sector continues to recover and grow in a structured and legally compliant manner. While poker and bingo face challenges, the overall landscape reflects a robust market with strong regulatory support and increasing digital engagement.

Spain’s gambling industry illustrates a model of sustainable growth, balancing revenue expansion with responsible gaming practices and compliance standards, ensuring that operators can thrive while maintaining player protection.

FAQ

What was Spain’s gross gaming revenue in Q2 2025?
Spain’s gross gaming revenue reached €410.3 million in the second quarter of 2025.

How much did casino gaming contribute to GGR in Q2?
Casino gaming accounted for €216.4 million, representing 52.7 per cent of total GGR.

What was the performance of sports betting in Q2?
Sports betting generated €171.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 18.21 per cent.

Why did poker revenue decline in Q2?
Poker revenue declined due to reduced player engagement, with cash poker down 5.95 per cent and tournament poker down 32 per cent sequentially.

How many licensed gambling operators were active in Q2 2025?
There were 77 licensed operators, including casino, betting, poker, bingo, and contest providers.

What was the total marketing spend in Q2?
Marketing expenditure rose to €164.5 million, an increase of 37.08 per cent year-on-year.

How did new account creation change in Q2?
New accounts increased by 11.7 per cent year-on-year to 504,853 but decreased 11.6 per cent sequentially.

What trends are shaping the Spanish gambling market?
Trends include growth in live casino games, sports betting, declining poker and bingo, and increased marketing for player retention.

What was the average number of active accounts in Q2?
The monthly average of active accounts was 1.7 million, up 21 per cent year-on-year but down 2.41 per cent sequentially.

What is the outlook for Spain’s gambling sector?
The sector is expected to grow moderately, with a focus on technological innovation, compliance, and diversification to meet evolving player preferences.