The Spanish online gambling market experienced sustained growth in the third quarter of 2025, according to data released by the General Directorate for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ). For the period ending 30 September, the gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached €405.36 million. This represented an increase of 16.49% compared to the same quarter in the previous year, though it marked a slight decline from the previous quarter’s figures. This growth is significant as it underscores the consistent expansion of the online gaming sector in Spain, driven primarily by the casino segment.
The quarterly report highlighted notable increases in player activity, with player deposits and withdrawals rising by 18.19% and 16.82% year-on-year, respectively. Compared to the second quarter of 2025, deposits saw minimal change, increasing by just 0.03%, while withdrawals experienced a modest growth of 2.7%. Marketing expenditure also saw a substantial rise, reaching €154.84 million, up 17.89% from the previous year, though this was a 6% drop from the previous quarter.
A closer dissection of the marketing expenditures reveals a 23.47% year-on-year increase in promotional spending, totaling €82.03 million for the quarter. This spending was divided between €28.57 million in bonus funds released as prizes and €53.46 million in non-prize promotions. Spending on affiliate marketing increased by 19.77% to €15.86 million, while advertising expenses grew by 8.42% to €54.65 million.
In terms of market composition, the online casino sector remains the dominant segment, constituting 56.98% of the total online gambling market in Spain. The casino sector’s GGR was €230.97 million for the quarter, reflecting a 22.93% growth from the same period in the previous year. This growth was predominantly driven by slot machines, which saw a 27.78% increase year-on-year and an 8.54% increase from the previous quarter. However, not all areas within the casino sector performed as well, with conventional roulette and blackjack declining by 8% and 3.22%, respectively.
The betting segment, accounting for 36.88% of the market, showed a mixed performance. While there was a year-on-year increase of 10%, the sector witnessed a 13.02% decline compared to the last quarter. This variance was largely due to a 42.98% decrease in conventional fixed-odds sports betting, though live betting surged by 32.82% compared to the second quarter. Other forms of fixed-odds betting grew by 23.85%, while fixed-odds horse racing declined by 9.07%.
Bingo, which makes up a smaller portion of the market, continued to struggle with a 5.92% decrease from the previous quarter and a 13.48% decline year-on-year. Meanwhile, the poker segment, although only accounting for 5.36% of the total market, showed promising growth with a 13.59% increase from the prior quarter and a 5.8% rise compared to the same quarter last year.
This data serves as a vital indicator for operators and regulators within Spain’s online gambling market. The sustained growth in the casino sector highlights the continued popularity of online gaming among Spanish consumers, while the fluctuations in the betting segment suggest shifts in player preferences. The increase in marketing expenditures, particularly in promotions, emphasizes the competitive nature of the market as operators vie for consumer attention.
However, the data also raises some concerns about the sustainability of such growth, particularly given the regulatory challenges that could arise as market dynamics shift. Regulatory scrutiny remains a critical factor for operators, as compliance with Spain’s gambling regulations is essential for maintaining market access. The decline in certain segments such as conventional roulette and horse racing betting may prompt operators to reassess their product offerings and marketing strategies.
Looking ahead, the market’s trajectory will likely depend on how well operators can adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments. The DGOJ’s continued oversight will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape, ensuring that growth is sustainable and compliant with national standards. As the year progresses, the focus will be on how these elements influence the market’s development and operators’ strategic approaches for capturing and retaining market share.
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