Online gambling legalized in 2011

Spain is one of the mature and well-regulated online gambling markets in Europe. The starting point is Law 13/2011 on the regulation of games, adopted on May 27, 2011, which legalized and described the licensing model for remote (online) services at the state level.

Timeline of key events

2011 - legal legalization. Law 13/2011 (Ley 13/2011) was passed to regulate gambling at the state level, protect order, combat fraud and provide mechanisms to protect consumers and minors.

2012 - market start and first licenses. On June 1, 2012, the regulator (DGOJ) issued the first package of national licenses; soon earned the first legal. es-sites.

2015 - online slot admission. After a separate regulatory procedure and a new licensing window, operators were able to legally offer online slots; the first releases were released in June 2015.

2020 - advertising restrictions. Royal Decree 958/2020 on commercial communications (advertising) of gambling was adopted: significant limits on channels, time and addressing promos.

2023 - "safe environments." Royal Decree 176/2023 developed a responsible play mode: segmentation of player risks, additional requirements for monitoring and interactions.

2024-2025 - adjustment of advertising rules. In 2024, the Supreme Court partially overturned RD 958/2020 restrictions, which led to increased investment in advertising and subsequent attempts by the authorities to clarify the framework.

What exactly was legalized in 2011 (and how it works now)

Level of regulation. Online gambling - state competence (central level); there is a unified system of licenses and supervision DGOJ. At the same time, autonomous communities regulate mainly the offline sector.

Licenses. General and singular licenses are required by type of game (betting, poker, bingo, slots, etc.). The starter kit was launched in 2012, and for some verticals, including slots, the windows were reopened later.

Player protection. Built into Law 13/2011 and developed by subsequent decrees: identity verification, self-exclusion, restriction of promo, proactive monitoring of "intensive" and "risky" patterns.

Market and operator impact

Transparency and access to the k.es market. Since 2012, leading international operators have launched local brands or received licenses for the Spanish segment; the market has expanded consistently, including issuing new licenses and renewing portfolios.

Advertising dynamics. After the severe restrictions of 2020 and the partial abolition of a number of norms in 2024, advertising activity began to recover, especially in digital channels; at the same time, the topic of sponsorships and the protection of vulnerable groups remains in the focus of the regulator.

Focus on RG 2. 0. The regulator is developing standardized mechanisms for detecting risky behavior (DGOJ project in 2025), which increases the requirements for data monitoring, triggers and communications with the player.

For players: what legalization means

1. Legitimate. es-sites. Licensed platforms are required to comply with payment, data protection and responsible gaming standards; the list of licensees is published by the regulator.

2. Self-monitoring tools. Limits, self-exclusion, informing and "cooling" periods are mandatory for licensed operators.

3. Advertising and bonuses. Promotional offers and promos in Spain are subject to strict addressing and time/location rules; details changed after the 2024 decisions.

For Business: Key Requirements and Risks

Licensed architecture. Availability of general- and singular-licenses, compliance with technical standards, audits and reporting to DGOJ.

Compliance circuit. KYC/AML, fraud prevention, control of vulnerable groups (RD 176/2023), correct communication of offers.

Marketing. Strategies that take into account the limitations of RD 958/2020 (as amended after 2024), and the local specifics of the channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is online gambling in Spain really "legal since 2011"?

Yes I did. Legal framework - Law 13/2011 (May 27, 2011). The commercial launch of the market with the first licenses took place in 2012.

When were online slots allowed?

In June 2015, following a separate licensing window and regulatory updates; sites launched slots almost immediately after issuance.

Who follows the market?

National regulator DGOJ (Ministry of Consumption/Finance - according to the distribution of competencies by time) and relevant norms supplementing Law 13/2011.

What's with the ads now?

The framework of RD 958/2020 is in effect, but some of the restrictions were lifted by the Supreme Court in 2024; the regulator and the government are adjusting the approach.

Spain legalized online gambling in 2011, launched the market with its first licenses in 2012, expanded verticals (including online slots in 2015) and built one of the most comprehensive responsible gaming and advertising compliance regimes in the EU. Today's model combines the availability of a legal offer for players and high standards of security and risk monitoring - with flexible customization of advertising rules following court decisions in 2024.