Is Gambling Legal in Spain?

Spain's online gambling scene is one of Europe's most mature and well-regulated. Thanks to Law 13/2011 and oversight from the DGOJ, operators get a single licence to offer everything from sports betting to casino games, poker, and bingo across the entire country.

The country is serious about player protection with tough technical, KYC, and AML rules. Plus, tax incentives (especially those offered in Ceuta and Melilla) make Spain a really attractive and trusted market for gambling brands focused on doing things right and putting their customers first.

Online Gambling in Spain

Regulatory Authority	General Directorate for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ)
Key legislation	Law No. 13 (2011)
Allowed activities	Among others: online betting, including fixed-odds sports betting, in-play betting, and exchange betting online casino games, e.g. roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other card/table games online poker online bingo
Prohibited activities	Among others: offering any gambling activity online or nationally without a DGOJ licence using online channels to avoid local land-based rules allowing or promoting fake, altered, or unlicensed games targeting minors or excluded players, violating advertising or RG restrictions
Taxation and fees	Licensed operators in Spain pay a 20% tax on their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR); that rate is reduced to 10% for operators based in Ceuta or Melilla.
Licence validity/duration	General licences run for 10 years with the possibility of renewal, whereas singular licences are typically valid for 3 to 5 years, varying by game.
Benefits of the market	Robust national licensing framework Spain’s Law 13/2011 sets up a single, country-wide licence for online gambling. It covers all major verticals – sports betting, casino, and poker – making it easier for operators to reach the full Spanish market through one clear process. High compliance standards that build player trust With strict KYC, AML, and certified technical systems, Spain promotes secure, traceable, and responsible gaming, creating a safer experience for both players and brands.
SOFTSWISS products compliant	Game Aggregator

Land-Based Gambling in Spain

Key legislation	Land-based gambling is regulated at the regional level.
Allowed activities	Land-based casinos, betting shops, gaming halls, and bingo parlours are regulated by the Autonomous Communities, not by the DGOJ. Licensing requirements, machine limits, operating hours, and taxation differ from one region to another.
Prohibited activities	Among others: operation of gambling without the required regional licence offering games or machines not authorised by the competent authority granting credit or loans to players inside gambling premises
Taxation	Each Autonomous Community establishes its own tax framework for land-based gambling activities.

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