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Top Online Casinos Licensed by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation in Spain
Online and land-based gambling in Spain is under the control of the Directorate-General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) which have defined gambling as “an activity where amounts of money or economically measurable objects are put at risk on uncertain or future events, dependent at least to some extent on chance.”
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Spain comprises of 17 autonomous States which might interpret regulations differently
Contents
Contents
Spanish Directorate General Regulation Details
WOW Score: 79/100Market-Specific Player SafeguardsStrong Privacy Controls
Gaming Act in Spain
Historically, online gambling in Spain was handled much later. At first, gambling within the country by local players was illegal. However, there weren't any laws in place to govern playing at international online casinos.
It all changed in 2011, when a formalised Spanish Gaming Act was introduced (Ley 13/2011, de 27 de mayo, de regulación del Juego). Now, the market is regulated by DGOJ, and local players are protected, with many safe and trusted Spanish online casinos to choose from.
Spain is becoming a model for regulated online gambling, thanks to the DGOJ's efforts to foster a safe, open gaming environment. Still, an Act in place does not equal a perfect system. The country comprises 17 autonomous states and 2 autonomous cities, which can result in tricky laws, as we see in how the Act is worded:
“Online games that are played at the federal level require a federal licence or authorisation. The federal licence is sufficient for operating in each region where the game operates.”
“Games (including online games) played within a specific region require the relevant licence of the autonomous region."
This balance of autonomous regions with a federal body of oversight has had an interesting impact on the licensing agreements.
Despite some regional challenges, the Spanish gambling public is protected from abuse and fraudulent activity, with extra protection for minors from underage gambling, and support for those prone to addictive behaviour.
Why We Rated the Spanish Directorate General Regulation With WOW LicenceScore (WLS) 79/100
The DGOJ is a great regulator with player protection and a good structure. However, it can be seen as more conservative in innovation and slow in updating crypto frameworks compared to other licenses. We've reviewed the regulator thoroughly and calculated a score of 79 out of 100. Here is why:
Player Protection & RG - 82/100 - The DGOJ received a Strong score for Player Protection & Responsible Gambling. They've been monitoring risk gambling behaviours and ensuring safety for players since their establishment.
- National self-exclusion (Strong) - Players are allowed to self-exclude across all regulated sites, and the regulator has a centralised self-exclusion service.
- Mandatory tools (Mixed) - We've noticed that protection measures are having a hard time keeping pace with the market’s rapid growth. However, there are real-time tools for deposit caps, time reminders, and cool-off periods. The Autoplay option is regulated but not completely banned.
- Affordability/SoF controls (Mixed) - There is a high taxation rate for gambling companies, and it's very costly to acquire and maintain a licence from DGOJ.
- Player funds protection (Strong) - Player balances are overseen, but Spain doesn't require a full insurance guarantee like some Nordic regulators.
Enforcement & Supervision - 76/100 - The regulator is mostly known for its high fees and extremely severe penalties. And although the Deterrence track record is quite strong, the other factors are not as great.
- Deterrence track record (Strong) - There are many fines and suspensions that the DGOJ has issued over the years. They've successfully regulated their operators.
- Audit cadence & resourcing (Mixed) - Audits are often conducted, and supervision is scheduled, but there are some gaps in the system of those regulations.
- Publicity of actions (Weak) - While the Spanish regulator is focused on the severe penalties, they are not as focused on their publicity. Their website is often down and not accessible. This makes it harder to find information on the actions that were taken publicly.
Licensing Standards - 90/100 - Spain comprises 17 autonomous Regions, which might interpret regulations differently and make the regulator very complex. But due to the strictness in their systems, DGOJ upholds Excellent licensing Standards.
- Fit & proper (Strong) - There are UBO checks and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing overview.
- Operational controls (Excellent) - Due to the strict requirements, operators must submit internal control systems for approval and notify the DGOJ of any security or data incidents.
- Entry bar clarity (Mixed) - In order to even apply for a licence, an operator must meet stringent requirements, which include supplying a certificate of incorporation in Spain. Then, details of permanent residency in Spain, and annual financial accounts for at least 3 preceding years to prove solvency.
Testing & Game Integrity - 90/100 - There are some strict policies when it comes to games and their certification by the regulator. We've rated them with a score of 90 because of their severe rules, but it's up to you to decide if these harsh policies are actually good.
- Approved labs & scope (Strong) - GLI and BMM Testlabs certify games and cover RNG, math, and jackpot oversights.
- RTP policy (Strong) - The regulator checks if the RTP policy is fixed and in-game claimed.
- Change management (Strong) - If there is a change in a game significant enough, then the DGOJ require a re-certification.
Transparency & Guidance - 59/100 - There are some clear problems with the Spanish regulator being transparent, which appears to be more of negligence than intent. Our rating is Limited with a 59 score out of 100.
- Clarity of rulebooks (Mixed) - Regulatory documents are detailed and clearly structured, but hard to find.
- Public registers (Weak) - As we mentioned, there are significant issues with the website of the regulator. There are some visible pages, but no public records are accessible.
- Update velocity (Limited) - Not only are updates hard to find, but they are also slow compared to other regulators.
Banking & Crypto Compliance - 40/100 - The Spanish regulation is all about traditional payment and bank verifications, crypto is not yet permitted, and there is no oversight of it. Thus, a very low score of 40, meaning the category's rating is Weak.
- Clarity & safeguards for crypto/open-banking - Even though there are high standards for fiat transactions, cryptocurrencies are restrictive, and there is limited flexibility on open-banking integration.
Licensing
While Spain is beholden to the DGOJ as a regulatory authority, each of the 17 autonomous regions can put their own spin on the laws. As such, Spanish gambling regulations can sometimes get tricky, leading to the creation of several variations in the lists of casino games allowed in certain areas. These lists are a deciding factor when looking at what games a provider may create and offer in that region.
There are two types of licences, a general and a singular one. The former is valid for 10 years, while the latter lasts only between 3 and 5 years, depending on the type of games.
In order to even apply for a licence, an operator must meet stringent requirements, which include supplying a certificate of incorporation in Spain. If deemed necessary, the details of permanent residency in Spain, and annual financial accounts for at least 3 preceding years to prove solvency, may be requested.
It is also necessary to provide financial guarantees for an amount of €2,000,000 for general betting and other games licences, or €500,000 for contest general licences.
Operators must also answer to technical obligations, such as creating a specific website under an “.es” domain, show their anti-money laundering plan, their fraud prevention documentation, operations planning and signed agreements with any necessary 3rd party suppliers.
Taxes
The online gambling fees and taxation laws, as formulated by the DGOJ, are rather specific, but are also dependent on the regions. Licensed operators have to pay a 20% tax on their gross gaming revenue (reduced from 25%). That rate is as low as 10% in the Ceuta and Melilla regions.
In addition to the above taxes, the operator will also be liable for fees ranging from €10,000 to €38,000 for the approval and certification of all licences applied for. There is also an annual fee for the regulatory activities of gambling regulations, which is calculated as 0.075% of the previous year’s total annual turnover (not gross gaming revenue).
As you can see, Spain is not shy with its fees, especially considering that applying for a licence costs at least €50,000. The regulator is even less shy when it comes to issuing penalties and fines. For example, offering gambling services in the country without the proper licence is a very serious offence that could be fined between €1,000,000 and €50,000,000!
In 2024, the total amount of imposed fines by the DGOJ reached €142 million. Additionally, 14 offshore operators were fined for providing services without a licence, ordered to shut down their websites, and banned from operating in the country for two years.
Benefits to Online Gambling Operators
These days, the DGOJ has taken the lead on stricter regulations. Rules about gambling advertisements, safer gambling directives, and play limits are becoming more stringent.
Spain has also taken a serious stance against illegal gambling. As we mentioned, offering unsanctioned gambling to players in Spain carries an enormous penalty risk and a multi-year ban from applying for a licence.
In the licensed market, recent actions by the DGOJ have seen that the taxes were reduced, made player protection an even greater focus, and given operators a clear set of instructions and rules to follow. Overall, despite the strict regulations and the aggressive fines, Spain is known to be a financially lucrative gambling market, one that many operators are eager to join. The activity is increasing yearly, with iGaming revenue climbing exponentially as well.
In 2025, it increased by 17% and reached €1.70 billion, primarily due to the casino and sports betting sectors.
Benefits to Players
The DGOJ takes player protection very seriously, with all disputes being handled under Spanish law, allowing locals to gamble with complete peace of mind.
The Advisory Council on Responsible Gaming (CAJR) was formalised in 2018 by the Spanish Minister of Finance in a bid to secure the well-being of the Spanish gambling population. Since then, responsible gameplay and safer gambling guardrails have become a cornerstone of DGOJ's efforts.
The DGOJ has begun developing an AI algorithm that intervenes if problem gambling behaviour or risk has been detected. Punters can also sign up for the national self-exclusion programme (RGIAJ) and set deposit limits with daily, weekly, and monthly amounts.
Gamble RESPONSIBLY. At CasinoWow, we're dedicated to responsible gambling and we provide you with many resources to help you play safe.
Top Online Casinos Licensed in Spain
Currently, there are 77 licensed operators authorised by the DGOJ to offer their services to Spanish players. The CasinoWow team of gambling experts has taken it upon itself to single out the top 3 licensed online casinos in Spain for your aid and enjoyment:
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Spanish gambling regulations may feel more complex than most due to their state divisions and autonomous cities, but the DGOJ's dedication to player safety and active oversight means locals can enjoy risk-free gambling.
With the incredible increase in gross gambling revenue (GGR) for the region, it seems that, despite the strict rules and the aggressive fines frequently imposed by the regulator, there is enough profit online to attract new operators and keep players entertained.
DGOJ FAQ
You may lodge a completed Complaints Form with the DGOJ. This must include the following information: Your name and surname, NIE number, national identity document or foreign equivalent, the precise facts, reasons and request which form the substance of the complaint, the identity of the party against which the complaint is made (the licensed gambling operator), and your signature.
Spain is on the verge of introducing a 'universal deposit limit system', but nothing has been made official as of yet. However, you can set voluntary deposit limits at a chosen figure per day, per week, or per month.
Licence applications must comply with requirements in terms of legal personality, share capital, corporate purpose, documents to be submitted, and more. The applicants must be public limited companies in Spain or the equivalent from a European Economic Area country, with a minimum share capital of €60,000 and their single corporate purpose being the management, marketing and operation of gambling.
As a key priority for DGOJ, recent improvements to the Spanish Gaming Act ensure that the Spanish gambling public is protected from abuse and fraudulent activity, minors are prevented from gambling, and those prone to addictive behaviour receive appropriate support. The self-exclusion registers of the country’s numerous autonomous communities have been unified into a national register.
Register with the General Register of Gambling Access Bans of the DGA or in person using the Form RGIAJ in any of the registers in Spain or abroad. Alternatively, register via the Internet or using an Android app at the online office of the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation.
The various fees for gambling administration have to be paid when submitting an application for a general licence, totalling over €50,000. The time limit for resolving submitted applications is six months from the day following their submission. Administrative silence constitutes approval of the application.
More useful info about the Spanish Directorate General Regulation
On this page, we've shared everything there is to know about this regulator. However, there are some additional news, guides and articles that might give you extra knowledge and understanding of the license, so take a look:
If you've read all about the Spanish Directorate General Regulation and now want to check out another regulator and its specifics, look no further. Below are some of the best regulatory bodies you can find for online casinos:
The UKGC provides the strictest and fairest gambling regulation, ensuring British customer protection and satisfaction. Explore our ratings of the UKGC.
The Malta Gaming Authority offers safe and fair gambling to over 180 jurisdictions, ensuring that it remains a benchmark in casino and lottery regulation.
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