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Casinos in Spain: A European approach to regulation

Casinos in Spain: the European approach to regulation (full story)

1) Market Picture: "Dual" Model

Spain uses a combined system:

Online games (casino, poker, betting) are regulated nationally by the Ministry of Consumption through the DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego).
Land casinos are the competence of autonomous communities (Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, etc.): each sets its own rules for licensing, taxation and control.

This approach provides uniform standards for the online market and takes into account regional features for offline.

2) Legal framework and regulators

The Basic Law on Online Gaming is a framework rule that opened the market to private operators under the strict supervision of DGOJ.

Advertising and marketing are severely limited: aggressive tone, strict time windows for broadcasts, prohibition of team sponsorship with gambling brand logos, restrictions on bonuses for new customers are prohibited. Promotion is allowed only with transparent conditions and is addressed to adults.

Responsible play: an early risk detection system, "reality checks," pop-up time/spend notifications, cooling pauses, limits, as well as an RGIAJ self-exclusion register operating nationwide.

AML/KYC and data protection: mandatory identity verification, transaction monitoring, requirements for the storage and processing of personal data.

3) Operator licensing

Online. DGOJ issues:

General license (by "families" of games) and
A single (special) license for specific products (for example, roulette, blackjack, slots, poker).

Requirements include: financial sustainability, technical certification of the platform and RNG/games, incident responses, reporting, connection to registries and monitoring tools, compliance with age control and content restrictions.

Land casinos. Regional permits depend on:

number of facilities and their distribution by territory, capital/experience requirements, security and video surveillance standards, operating modes and access rules (e.g. dress code, entrance fees - in some regions).

The age threshold is 18 +, in most regions there is access by document.

4) Product and Player Rules

Verification before playing for money. Demo mode is possible, but deposits/bets - only after confirmation of identity.

Limits and self-monitoring tools. Personal deposit/time limits, pauses, risk reminders. Self-exclusion through RGIAJ is mandatory for all licensed operators; data is synchronized nationally.

Purity of content. Games must be certified, banning mechanics that target vulnerable groups or create deceptive expectations.

Payments. Only transparent methods with anti-fraud checks are allowed; returns and complaints are processed within the established time frame, controversial cases are processed through the Ombudsman/courts.

5) Advertising and bonuses: "strictly, but you can"

Spain is one of the strictest EU markets for advertising:

Strong time and channel restrictions (TV/radio - mainly night windows), a strict ban on sponsorship of teams and stadiums by gambling brands.
Bonuses and promos are allowed only for verified adult users, with full disclosure of conditions. "Welcome" promotions for new customers are significantly limited.
Influencers and digital channels fall under the same rules, including 18 + targeting and visibility filters.

6) Taxes and fees

For online game operators

The main tax is a percentage of gross gaming income (GGR) on licensed verticals.

Additionally - corporate income tax and social contributions at the place of business registration.

For Ceuta and Melilla, there is a preferential regime (lower rates on gaming and corporate taxes with a real "substance" in the city), which makes these territories popular for operators and providers.

For land-based casinos

Taxation and rates are set by autonomous communities and are generally calculated with GGR (or close bases) on progressive scales; additional local fees/duties apply. Rates and techniques vary by region.

For the players

Winnings are subject to declaration in income tax (IRPF) as capital gains; it is allowed to take into account losses within the winnings in the same tax period (transfer to future years is usually not allowed).

Lottery prizes and wagering have separate thresholds and modes; for casino games, the general logic of the IRPF applies. It is recommended to keep statements/game history.

7) Enforcement and fight against the "gray market"

Blocking unlicensed sites and payment channels, working with search engines and advertising networks, fines and administrative matters.

Coordination with autonomous communities, data sharing on self-exclusion and minors.

Regular compliance checks (platform audits, certifications, advertising and loyalty program controls).

8) Impact of regulations on product and economy

Responsible default game. Spanish UX patterns built in "slow down" the impulse (reality checks, limits, visible timers).

Marketing is about a long distance. Due to advertising restrictions, brands rely on retention, CRM and content quality.

Local substance. Tax incentives require a real presence in the jurisdiction (state, office, providers), which raises costs but stabilizes the market.

Regional offline mosaic. Different tax scales and quotas introduce variability in the unit economy of casinos by region.

9) Roadmap for the operator

1. Legal model: choice of legal entity and tax base (including assessment of preferential regimes).

2. Licensing (online): general + unified licenses, technical certification, registry connectivity, RG/KYC/AML procedures.

3. Content and providers: certified games only; RTP monitoring/mechanic and event logging.

4. Marketing compliance: rule-based creatives, age targeting, no sponsorship, strict bonus T & Cs.

5. Finmodel and reporting: calculation of GGR tax, corporate and local fees; report automation for DGOJ and regions.

6. Offline strategy: selection of the region by rates/quotas/traffic, CAPEX per site, regulatory deadlines.

10) Player FAQ

Is it legal to play online in Spain?

Yes, operators with a Spanish DGOJ license. Check age control, RG tools and legal details on the site.

Do I need to declare winnings?

Yes, casino game wins count toward IRPF; losses can be counted within winnings within the same year. Keep a history of transactions.

Why is there little aggressive advertising and "fat" bonuses?

Such is the right: strict restrictions on advertising and promo, focus on responsible play and consumer protection.

Does self-exclusion work offline?

In most regions, yes: regional lists are integrated with the national RGIAJ registry, and casinos are required to apply them.

Spain demonstrates the "European standard" of regulation: strong national control for the online market, a firm responsible play policy, tough advertising and understandable (albeit heterogeneous) tax rules. For operators, this is a market "about quality and compliance," for players - a predictable and protected environment with clear responsibilities for identification and taxes.