The growth of the online gambling market in Spain continues to soar, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) totaling €348.1m ($366.5m) for the third quarter—a 14.4% year-on-year increase. This phenomenal growth demonstrates the power of international betting markets and would be great news for bookies looking to grow internationally. Operators positioned on the right platform with the right strategy will be able to take advantage of a far more positive global context.
Growth Across Verticals
The latest survey conducted by Spain’s gambling regulator – the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) – shows healthy numbers in several sectors:
- Casino: Total online casino GGR was €188m (54% of all online GGR). Slot play increased 25.8% from a year earlier, while blackjack increased 49.4%.
- Sports Betting Growth: Sports betting posted GGR of $4.2m, down 6.6% on Q2, but up 19.8% year-on-year, accounting for 39.1% of the market.
- Poker and Bingo- Poker continued to decline (down by 23.5% y/y) but bingo remained flat at €3.7m.
Changes to Regulation Boost Activity in Advertising
In April, Spain’s Supreme Court ordered the relaxation of some advertising restrictions, allowing celebrity endorsements and welcome bonuses back. Consequently, marketing spend also increased by 9.7% compared to the previous quarter, reaching €131.7m and enabling operators to attract and retain players.
Player Activity and Market Growth
Player activity continued to skyrocket with a 23.9% boom in deposits and a 30.3% increase in withdrawals in comparison to Q3 2023. Active player accounts also increased by 1.7% reflecting sustained market growth.
What This Means for Bookies
The triumph of online gambling Spain has to offer has important implications for bookies seeking to take advantage of global market expansion.
Invest in a Reliable Platform
There can be little doubt by now that for bookmakers to stave off universal competition, a scalable, robust system is essential. And a PPH solution makes it easy to operate a sportsbook – handle accounts, have many betting choices, anytime a regulation is changed, they are the first to have it locally.
Focus on Casino and Sportsbook Trends
That’s because casino and sports betting are where most of Spain’s online gambling revenue comes from:
- Market Successful Casino Games: “Much of our growth is driven by slots and blackjack, and these are prioritized.
- Improve Sports Betting Offers: Competitive lines, live betting options, and promotions during major events provide bettors with a reason to be active.
Localized Preferences And Regulations Once again adapt accordingly!
It’s critical that we understand regional dynamics. The relaxation of advertising restrictions in Spain demonstrates how shifts in policy can create opportunities. Bookies must move fast to respond, deploying personalized bonuses, loyalty schemes and targeted offers to take their share of the pie.
Monitor Market Trends and Act
Online gambling trends in Spain, including continued poker decline and bingo holding steady, provide similar lessons. Bookies needs to look to grow their winners verticals while keeping a niche balance to gain diversified revenue.
Seizing Global Opportunities
The growth of ENG: 117594/2020 Spanish Regulation 30 June 2021 ONCE–Year 84–17 THE REGULATED GAMING MARKET We use the term GGR to designate the measure of total betting revenues after deducting players winnings, bonuses, levy on stakes and other taxes, before deducting marketing and operating costs, that is the measure of total revenues that is available for payment of the relevant betting tax. Strategic bookie can invest in the European, South American, and Asian markets where internet gaming is gaining ground rapidly.
Use the Strength of a PPH Service, like PPH Software
By teaming with a platform the likes of VIP Pay Per Head, agents gain real-time bet tracking, gambling tools, individualized bonuses and lines in addition to their personal customization of players upon which markets are offered.
The Future of Online Gambling in Spain and Beyond
The above case study of online gambling Spain is a shining example of how one adapts to market trends, embraces regulatory changes and invests in solid technology, they can witness sustained growth. Bookmakers that are well-informed, flexible and who adopt a proactive approach can achieve long term success in this fluid online gaming environment.
Now is the time to use the worldwide market for economic growth. With some tools and strategies, you can keep your betting business ahead for years to come.
