Spain casinos are legal and regulated, and so is online gambling. Land-based casinos, gaming halls, betting shops and bingo are licensed by Spain’s regional governments, while online gambling is licensed nationally by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) under the 2011 Gambling Act. You must be 18 to gamble.
Spain gambling at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal and regulated |
| Main law | Gambling Act, Law 13/2011 |
| Online regulator | DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego) |
| Land-based casinos | Licensed by the autonomous communities (regional governments) |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Online operator tax | 20% of gross gaming revenue |
| Biggest lottery draw | Lotería de Navidad (El Gordo), every December 22 |
| Last checked | November 2026 |
How gambling is regulated in Spain
Spain splits gambling regulation between the national government and its autonomous communities. The Gambling Act of 2011 (Law 13/2011) covers gambling offered across the whole country, which in practice means online gambling. The DGOJ licenses and supervises online operators.
Land-based gambling is a regional matter. Each autonomous community licenses its own casinos, gaming halls, betting shops and bingo halls, so rules such as opening hours, the number of casinos allowed and local taxes differ from region to region.
Land-based casinos in Spain
Because each region sets its own rules, games, opening hours and entry requirements vary from casino to casino. Regional rules, such as Madrid’s, require casinos to check each player’s identity at the entrance to keep out under-18s and people on the self-exclusion register, so bring a passport or national ID card, and check a casino’s hours and dress code before you go.
In Madrid, Casino Gran Madrid Colón on Paseo de Recoletos is open daily from 11 am to 6 am, with live and electronic roulette, blackjack, baccarat and slots. Our other Spain casino reviews cover Casino Gran Madrid Torrelodones, Casino Barcelona, Casino Royal 777 and Admiral Casino Sevilla.
New to table games? Our casino game guides explain the rules and odds of each game, and our poker guides cover the card room side.
Online gambling in Spain
Online casinos, sports betting, poker and bingo are legal in Spain when the operator holds a DGOJ licence. Operators need a general licence for each category of gambling, valid for 10 years and renewable, plus singular licences for the specific games they offer. Licensed operators pay a tax of 20% on their gross gaming revenue.
The regulated online market is growing quickly. Online gross gaming revenue reached €539.18 million in the second quarter of 2026, up 31% on a year earlier. Casino games, including online slots, made up about 53% of that total, and sports betting about 41%. Spain had about 2.16 million active online players in 2025.
Sites without a DGOJ licence are not authorized to serve players in Spain, and players who use them have none of the protections that come with a Spanish licence.
Lotteries and El Gordo
Spain’s best-known gambling tradition is the Christmas lottery, the Lotería de Navidad, run by the state operator Loterías y Apuestas del Estado. The draw is held every year on December 22. A tenth of a ticket, called a décimo, costs €20, and the top prize, El Gordo, pays €400,000 per décimo.
Lottery prizes are taxed: the tax authority withholds 20% on the part of any prize above €40,000. On a winning El Gordo décimo, that leaves €328,000.
More country guides
For nearby options, see our Portugal casinos guide. We also cover Spanish-speaking markets such as Argentina, and international operators such as bet365.
Spain casinos FAQ
Is gambling legal in Spain?
Yes. Land-based casinos are licensed by Spain’s regional governments, and online gambling is licensed nationally by the DGOJ.
What is the gambling age in Spain?
18, for casinos and online gambling.
Are online casinos legal in Spain?
Yes, when they hold a DGOJ licence. Unlicensed sites are not authorized to accept Spanish players.
Are lottery winnings taxed in Spain?
Yes. The state withholds 20% on the part of a prize above €40,000. Smaller prizes are not taxed.
Gamble responsibly and set a budget before you play. If you are in the US and gambling is causing problems, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET.