Gambling participation in Spain has surged by more than 20% in 2025 compared to 2024. This is according to the latest Report on Gambling Activity in Spain published by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and the 2030 Agenda.
The number of active online players has climbed to nearly two million (1,991,550). Authorities attribute much of this growth to the return of welcome bonuses. These promotional offers had been banned until April 2024.
Demographic data shows that 80% of active players are male, and 85.7% fall between the ages of 18 and 45.
Operators reported over €8 billion ($9.26 billion) in profits last year. Of that, €1.45 billion came from state-licensed online gambling platforms. Casino games generated €730.7 million. Sports betting brought in €608.8 million, and poker contributed €100 million — the only segment to report a drop in profits.
The reinstatement of welcome bonuses followed a partial annulment of Royal Decree 958/2020 by the Spanish Supreme Court. They ruled that some promotional restrictions must be regulated by law, not by decree.
In response, gambling companies spent €526 million on marketing in 2024. This included €261 million on promotions, €203 million on advertising, and €56 million on affiliate marketing.
However, Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy has since proposed reintroducing the bonus ban. He plans to do this through an amendment to the upcoming Customer Service Law. He pointed to consumer protection as the core reason, citing over €140 million in fines imposed on gambling operators during 2024.
This move also comes amid broader reforms led by the Spanish Gambling Policy Council. The council recently approved changes to licensing and deposit limits for safer gambling practices nationwide.
