The legalization of online gambling has represented a significant growth in the offer of sports betting sites in Spain.
And it is not just about numbers but about meeting the high-quality standards that the industry itself demands in the face of the emergence of more demanding players from regulated bookmakers in Spain.
With solid legislation for the casino sector and a significant number of available operators, sports betting in Spain has positioned itself as an entertainment activity with high demand. Spain is by nature a sports-loving country, so in this analysis, you will learn how sports betting works in Spain through a detailed review.
In Spain, all gambling that took place online was regulated in 2011, through the Gambling Law. Although the regulation began on that date, it was in 2012 when the granting of licenses was secured. Since then, access to foreign websites that were not regulated was restricted.
Although it is a gray area, since players are not legally prohibited from accessing the website of a gaming operator without a Spanish license, the betting houses are prohibited from offering or accepting players from Spain in their various games, something applicable for any type of game online as betting or casino. Although, as we will see later, the Government tries to prevent this access in different ways.
Each bookmaker in the Spanish territory is being monitored by the state manager par excellence, the Directorate-General for the Regulation of Gambling. This institution is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law by sports betting houses that provide their online services within the Spanish jurisdiction. Meanwhile, bookmakers and physical casinos are the responsibility of each community in particular, since physical gambling is a matter whose regulation has been ceded to the majority of Autonomous Communities. Returning to the issue of online regulation, the primary objective of the DGOJ is to ensure a fair, transparent, and reliable context.
We are aware that many online casinos and bookmakers have recently joined the gambling industry in Spain thanks to the effective regulation that the State forged. As proof of this, today you can find a total of more than 60 gambling houses that lie under the protection of the license issued by the DGOJ. Also, if you are presented with a website of dubious origin, you can go to the official page of the DGOJ to verify if it is trustworthy.
Let us take as an example the regulation of Spain. Simply, everything revolves around ensuring compliance with the law, an obligation that corresponds to the DGOJ. This action requires tests and other kinds of requirements that bookmakers must meet in order to receive a free operation license. As the activity of the bookmakers is managed, the promotion of “Safe and Responsible Gaming” is also instilled. To enter the Spanish betting sector, it is necessary to comply with the requirements demanded by the DGOJ. Among such responsibilities are the payment of taxes, providing a transparent service, and ensuring the protection of user data.
Bookmakers may obtain a license valid for up to 10 years if they remain within the parameters established by the Regulation Law enacted in 2011. Likewise, they will also be provided with the distinctive seal of “Safe Game” which reflects a simple view of the security of the service.
In addition to .es bookmakers, there are also .com bookmakers that accept Spanish players, such as Intertops. The tax on gambling winnings is 20%, which applies to both bookmakers and players. Before it was 25% until 2018, but the government decided to reduce it by 5%, which makes taxation in Spain in line with that of many other European countries. One of the advantages of playing in .com bookmakers in Spain is that you do not have to pay taxes on your winnings. Even if you end up with a much larger profit than $2,500, you can simply withdraw the money and not worry about paying taxes.
Another reason why you should consider playing on websites without a .es domain is convenience. The Spanish regulatory body (DGOJ) issues separate licenses for casino operators and sports betting houses. Therefore, if a website wants to offer both, it has to obtain two licenses. Therefore, many Spanish websites do not want to bother and focus on one or another product. On the other hand, .com websites do not have this problem, so you can freely play your favorite slot machines and place bets on the matches of your favorite football team.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Spain?
Online sports betting is legal in Spain and players have nothing to worry about, except for regular tax when playing at Spanish betting sites.
In a vast sea of sports betting sites in Spain, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Naturally, all sports betting sites will compete with each other and therefore will offer great betting conditions to Spanish citizens. It is up to a player to choose which betting site they prefer the best.
Before choosing their favorite betting site, a player must consider the following.
Security and safety are the main elements that should distinguish a quality betting service. The most prominent bookmakers in Spain have a web portal that protects all the procedures you carry out, avoiding data leakage in the process. In addition, the licenses that the sports betting house has at its mercy are admired as another security seal that should not be missing, since this is what ensures the transparency of the service.
What is the use of having a variety of betting offers if there are no lucrative bonuses involved? Many bookmakers in Spain will offer you exclusive welcome bonuses which stand out as the only type of offer they offer. Meanwhile, other sports betting houses give you the welcome bonus and, at the same time, promote eventual bonuses as part of their loyalty program. As you can see, the availability of offers is another relevant factor.
Our preferred Spanish betting site must have a fully functional website that is fully protected by standard encryption mechanisms. In terms of mobile gameplay, the web portal must provide an app or at least a mobile version so that you can place your bets from anywhere. Finally, the theme and structure of the bookmaker’s interface must be interactive and user-friendly.
The odds are just as important since they reveal which odds have been improved by the Spanish bookmakers for the bettor’s enjoyment. Let’s see it like this: when a bookmaker optimizes its odds for certain disciplines and markets, the player who knows how to take advantage of these perks will be able to receive very rewarding rewards, a trait that undoubtedly distinguishes the service of a bookmaker.
Markets – this primary factor refers to the number of disciplines present in the catalog or Sportbook of a bookmaker. The more sports and other disciplines that are available, in addition to their respective markets, the more options the bettor will have when preparing to formulate their predictions. The same happens with the availability of matches with coverage for the live section, as they are one of the most popular bets.
A quality bookmaker will show you a list of payment methods that are sufficiently varied and extensive so that you can carry out your transactions as quickly as possible. Among the payment methods that bookmakers most often support are e-wallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, etc.), credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), prepaid cards (Paysafecard), and bank transfers.
The customer service is a part of the betting center that must remain intact and accessible to the user. What differentiates the implicit quality in each bookmaker will be determined by the effectiveness and immediacy of the customer service team. A high-level bookmaker consists of a trained, accurate and fast technical support service that provides all the necessary tools to solve the problem.
Generally, the web pages or mobile applications of the bookmakers have in a practical and accessible way the information on the available sporting events, the different types of bets that you can choose, and the simulator of the odds that will allow you to know how much you can win. This value changes according to the sport, the match, the type of bet, and the probability of unexpected situations that arise.
If you are thinking of venturing into the world of online gambling in Spain, here is what you need to do:
First, you need to create an account on a betting site. First, visit the site of their online bookmaker and somewhere on the site you will see a button “Registration” and click on it. From there you have two steps.
After filling in all the fields and clicking on “Next Step”, you proceed to the verification of the account. Account verification is something that must be done in any online bookmaker. It is necessary because the bookmaker in which you want to create an online account must confirm the validity of the data you entered during registration.
In order to verify the account, you need to send a picture of a valid document on which you can see the data you entered when registering on their site. It can be a picture of a passport or a picture of an ID card on both sides, if the ID card has a chip, then read it in any photos shop and send it.
To start online betting, you need to deposit money into your newly created account. You have several options:
Many sports betting sites in Spain will offer Welcome bonuses upon the first deposit. Claim such bonuses in order to have better chances of winning.
The most popular sports are by their own right those that move more bets online and the reason is simple, the more popular they are, the more users will be interested in betting and with it, the bookmakers will improve their odds and markets.
That said, we have prepared a list of what are statistically the most popular sports in Spain.
For many, football is the king of sports because it brings together several characteristics: tactics, physicality, capacity for surprise, and emotion. It is a mass sport that generates great business and many companies develop advertising strategies to boost their brand. A perfect circle that makes it the best sport to bet on.
Famous operators offer thousands of daily bets exclusively for soccer. This is explained by the huge number of national and international championships that are played every day. Spanish bettors most often chose football leagues and competitions such as:
Basketball is another of the great sports in the online betting markets in Spain. It is an aesthetic, attractive, and very spectacular game that attracts bettors from all latitudes and that has guaranteed emotions and good odds if we know which games and markets to bet on. The four main tournaments are:
A peculiarity of this sport is the 'Proposition' bets. They consist of predictions based on the merit of a player, usually a star like Curry or LeBron James: more than 40 or 50 points, triple-double, etc.
We are talking about a sport that is distinguished by elegance and emotion and in which names like Sampras, Agassi, the Williams sisters, Djokovic, Federer, or the Spanish legend Rafa Nadal are all favorites among sports bettors, especially long-term bettors.
The list of sports bets that we can find is very varied and requires some expertise, since it not only includes 'common' markets such as the winner of the match or the tournament, but also handicaps for sets or games, and even tie breaks or double results.
Considering that not all tennis players perform the same in the different tournaments and that specialized Spanish sports bettors know it well, it is incredibly popular to bet on tennis. For example, Federer is not the same on grass or hardcourt as on clay, in which Nadal has been the absolute dominator of the surface.
The following championships are most popular with Spanish bettors:
Given the media relevance of this sport, sports betting sites in Spain offer special bonuses that are valid for the duration of the tournament, for example: reload bonuses for combined bets on several Grand Slam matches.
We all know that when it comes to online sports betting, Spain included, there are two motorsports that capture the vast majority of fans, we are of course talking about motor racing and motorcycling. However, despite the fact that it is a world in itself with hundreds of branches, there are two championships that take the cake in terms of popularity and number of sports bets, we are of course talking about:
✅ Formula 1
Formula 1 is one of the great world events. A circus that brings together millions of sports bettors throughout the year. Of course, free practice, the official qualification, and the result of the final race are part of the cast of sports betting. It is a very popular sport and therefore the big gambling brands and bookmakers will always be on the lookout. In general, the most common bets are:Sometimes you will find promotions for a particular Grand Prize or other special offers at sports betting sites in Spain.
The importance of motorcycling for speed-loving sports bettors in Spain is immense. It is true that there are other competitions of great international prestige that offer a format similar to that of MotoGP, however, for bettors specialized in motorsports, this competition is everything.
As in Formula 1, Spanish bettors will have the possibility to place bets on practice sessions, fastest lap classification, and race (winner, podium, top 5, head to head, or who will not finish a race).
It is a sport that is characterized by the participation of 'initiated' gamblers, so it is advisable to get a little information. Although very low odds for the winner are not usually very profitable bets, there are alternatives such as combined strategies or system bets that will compensate you better.There are several types of bets that are most commonly used in Spain. The bets can range from the simple to the most complex ones, including live event betting.
It consists of choosing a winner and the amount that you are going to invest. The amount wagered is multiplied by the odds of the bet.
As its name indicates, there are several combined bets that establish a quota that multiplies what you invest. Most bookmakers like bet365 in Spain allow combos.
Always popular among Spanish bettors as the thrill of watching a game live and betting on it is something quite unique.
For example, when the winner of a tournament is predicted beforehand.
It is similar to the combined ones. It goes from 3 predictions to 8, which is the maximum, and not every game must be predicted correctly. This lowers the winning price but increases the chances of winning.
Bookmakers are constantly evolving and are improving the products and services they offer to their customers on a regular basis. One of the latest improvements, and one that their customers liked the most, are the personalized bets.
With these bets, Spanish bettors can create their own bet, or propose to the bookmaker to offer them a certain bet. In this way, the bettor can choose to make bets designed by himself, which are not available in the usual markets of his bookmaker. We can summarize that custom bets are bets created, or formulated, by the bettors themselves.
Note: Bet365 in Spain allows you to make all the bets that have been mentioned above.
The fact is that bookmakers will have different estimates and give different valuesto give you the best odds, so comparing different sports betting sites in Spain is always recommended. Placing your bet on the bookmaker that gives you the highest odds will mean that you will have a higher winning. For example, the net of earning 12% more money due to that difference is possible.
Using the best betting odds guarantees better returns on your winning sports bets and is very important to maintain long-term profits. To put it more clearly, if you do not take the best odds on your bets you will be potentially losing money when you win.
The truth is that most of us tend to use one or two different bookmakers as we make an account and stick to it. Unfortunately, as has been proven many times, this has a very significant negative impact on your earnings over time. What you should do is make sure that you place your bets at the best prices every time. This is easily fixed by spending a bit of your time and opening extra accounts at different sports betting sites in Spain, and this is where the betting comparison really shines. Once they have opened accounts at multiple bookmakers, players can take advantage of the best odds wherever they appear.
This will make placing the highest odds bet an easy process and will help you rack up big profits over time. For example, one Spanish bookmaker might offer 1.45 on a Real Madrid win, while another can offer 1.50. The more the merrier. This will vary based on different competitions and sports and it is always recommended to have several accounts at Spanish betting sites in order to compare the odds and earn as much as possible.
The fact is that bookmakers will have different estimates and give different valuesto give you the best odds, so comparing different sports betting sites in Spain is always recommended. Placing your bet on the bookmaker that gives you the highest odds will mean that you will have a higher winning. For example, the net of earning 12% more money due to that difference is possible.
Regarding the offers you will find in Spain, they can take the form of a:
The importance of promotions lies in the fact that they are the best way to obtain profits from a minimum investment. Whether it’s a welcome bonus that gives you a bonus based on a previous deposit, a free bet, a Cashout, or a no deposit bonus, bonuses are the key to securing moderate rewards. At the same time, they are very useful for those who want to try the service for the first time, since they will not have to spend their money from the beginning or they will only have to invest a small amount. And as Spain is full of betting sites, it is often recommended to do just that.
In order to benefit you even more (as means of being competitive in the betting market in Spain), bookmakers developed 4 variants of the bonus that Spanish bettors can enjoy. These are:
We are talking about the kind of offer that is frequently obtained in almost all bookmakers, not just in Spain. You will receive double, triple, or quadruple the deposit you make.
This variant of the traditional bonus gives you a certain number of bets that you can use in the sports and markets that you like the most.
When this bonus is granted, the player will receive the money that he has invested in a particular bet if his predictions are not correct.
It is nothing more and nothing less than the bonus that does not require a previous deposit to be able to claim it. On the contrary, when you register, the amount of the bonus will be credited to your account.
NOTE: This information is relevant for all players who are not located in Spain or who do not play in bookmakers regulated by the Spanish license, since currently licensed bookmakers in Spain cannot offer welcome bonuses or promotions until 30 days after your registration.
Since we have seen the types of bonuses that you will find with sports betting sites in Spain, what you should keep in mind are the betting options in which you will be able to allocate them, followed by the betting strategies enabled at the moment. A bonus in conjunction with splendid bets will give you a big win.
Before entering a bookmaker, you should check what it offers – whether it guarantees at least 2 types of bonuses and what are the bets or markets linked to each discipline. Subsequently, make a review of the fees attached to all of them. If there are improved odds, the odds will be high; otherwise, the opportunities will be limited.
The timeframe for meeting the terms and conditions attached to the bonus is a matter not taken lightly. Generally, Spanish bookmakers grant bonuses that are given for a period of validity that ranges between 4 and 7 days, which will be the time you will have to comply with each betting guideline.
What is a fair bonus?
A fair bonus is the kind of bonus that assures you of a significant amount, complemented by lax wagering requirements.
Keep in mind when betting:
The best payment methods that sports betting sites in Spain offer are divided into four types, which are: Bank transfers, credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, and electronic wallets. In this list you will find all the payment methods accepted by bookmakers in Spain:
They all have their advantages and disadvantages and in the existing variety, we will surely find those that best suit our needs. However, here you will find the main characteristics of the payment methods of Spanish sports betting houses.
✅ Bank Transfer, A Classic Option – This is the most common alternative among the payment methods of the best online betting houses, as it allows both the player and the operator to carry out transactions safely. However, there are a few things to consider:
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, you may have to wait a bit to make withdrawals. However, some operators allow you to make higher deposits through this form of payment than with other methods.
✅ Visa or Mastercard Cards – Obviously among the best payment methods that are accepted by betting houses and they cannot be missing. Credit and debit cards are a standard of payments. Visa and Mastercard are the most popular.
Pros:
Cons:
As such, debit or credit cards have similar behavior in terms of income limits, withdrawals, and times – in these aspects they are a very favorable form of payment.
Yes, you must be the cardholder and in some cases, submit a copy for account verification, but in general, Spanish bettors quite often use such cards for betting.
✅ Paypal, One of the Best Payment Methods with Spanish Bookmakers – According to a study presented on the Statista platform, Paypal was the second preferred online payment method for Spanish netizens during October and November 2021. And online sports betting players are no exception. Let’s see how it works for us:
Pros:
Cons:
It is a payment method that works like an electronic wallet and allows us to make deposits or withdrawals of funds instantly.
✅ Bizum, Secure Payment Method in Spanish Bookmakers – Bizum is the new transactional app that allows you to manage your finances smoothly and without so many complications. All you have to do is download it and activate it with your mobile number and you’re ready to bet!
Pros:
Cons:
If you are one of those who seek privacy, then this is your payment method. Keep in mind that the mobile number with which your Bizum is associated must coincide with the one you registered at the bookmaker when opening your account and thus be able to make the withdrawals effective.
✅ Apple Pay, Everything in One Account – Using Apple Pay as a payment method for online sports betting in Spain is as easy as snapping your fingers. Furthermore, it is completely safe and confidential, as well as well-received by many Spanish bookmakers.
Pros:
Cons:
Authorize your deposits through Touch ID or with your unlock code from your Apple device. In terms of commission, it is completely free. However, in terms of limits, they are very variable according to the operator.
✅ Skrill, The Most Functional Wallet – Skrill is a convenient payment method when betting online in Spain. You only create one account on their platform and is linked with an email, quite anonymously (we do not show our bank details) and securely, very much in line with PayPal.
Pros:
Cons:
This electronic wallet will allow you to make deposits and withdrawals with quite flexible limits, depending on the operator. Of course, in terms of time, it is quite immediate. As such, Skrill bookmakers will not charge you any commission.
✅ Neteller, Another Secure Payment Method in Spain – Neteller is another of the most popular and accepted electronic wallets among online gaming operators. Its operation is similar to PayPal or Skrill, showing itself as a secure method that respects privacy.
Pros:
Cons:
This wallet not only speeds up the transmission of payments with our trusted bookmaker but also allows us to keep our financial information safe. Online betting operators do not have additional charges for using Neteller.
✅ Paysafecard, A Guaranteed Prepaid Card – Do prepaid cards sound familiar to you? This is how it works – they allow us to send online payments in a very secure way, without having to reveal personal data. To do this we will have to get one, you can buy them in many establishments (supermarkets, gas stations, kiosks, etc…).
Pros:
Cons:
Having a pre-assigned value in euros (10, 25, 50, and 100€) allows you to keep much more precise control of your budget. However, if you create an account you can increase the limits.
✅ Trustly, One of the Top Payment Methods with Sports Betting Sites in Spain – This intermediary connects our bank account with the online sports betting site in Spain in which we deposit our money in an easy and comfortable way, preserving our data in the safest way possible.
Pros:
Cons:
We do not have to sign up for any kind of service or download any program. In addition, Trustly is accepted by a good number of bookmakers and by banks such as BBVA, Santander, or La Caixa, among others.
✅ EcoPayz, The Most Global Account – A global prepaid account that allows instant transactions to all kinds of agents, from other users to bookmakers, of course, instantly and completely safely, respecting our privacy as much as possible.
Pros:
Cons:
This financial intermediary is one more alternative in the wide world of payment methods in bookmakers, however, several operators have not yet included it, which makes us wonder if it is worth it or not.
✅ MuchBetter, The Smart Payment App – An application with which you can spend money can end up being a more rewarding one, as well as providing a fun personal experience. You will only have to go to your App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to download the MuchBetter application.
Pros:
Cons:
Sign up to create your account and start using MuchBetter by making deposits and withdrawals. As it is not very popular with bookmakers, the few that include this payment method have very low limits on amounts.
Bookmakers in Spain do not accept deposits or withdrawals with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin or the virtual currency of Ethereum. And although in the rest of the world this type of payment method is very popular and safe, in Spain it is still a myth.
What Is the Best Payment Option for Spanish Players?
In general, eWallets are the most popular choice when it comes to online gambling. Spain is no different as it provides a great variety of eWallets to choose from. But it can all depend on personal taste.
Our recommendation as experts in online sports betting is to avoid payment methods that are not authorized by the Spanish government as much as possible since, in the end, the capital you obtain will enter a legal limbo.
Avoid headaches and use only secure payment methods in Spanish bookmakers, like the ones we explained above.
Gambling in Spain is very legal, including sports betting and online casino gambling.
Spain, like many European countries, has strict laws and regulations when it comes to online gambling. All legal bookmakers are incredibly safe to gamble at.
Online gambling and sports betting have reached their peak and all sports betting sites in Spain must be incredibly safe to bet at if they want to get a license. So all legal and authorized Spanish betting sites are safe.
So far, all the deposit and withdrawal limits have been set by the gambling house itself, although there was proposed legislation where the state will have its say in both minimum and maximum limits, in order to create a safer gambling environment.
All the yearly net winnings above 1,000 euros made from sports betting should be declared in the tax.
Withdrawal processing times will depend entirely upon the betting site and the preferred payment method. It can range from several minutes to several days. E-wallets are the fastest way to collect your winnings.
Spain offers a huge variety of betting sites and hence it would be impossible to choose the best one. Besides, having a favorite betting site will depend entirely upon the player’s needs. The best betting sites will be safe and legal while providing the best odds and multitude of betting options.
Spain is well-known for great athletes in all sports, therefore Spanish betting sites will offer an incredible range of sports to bet on. The most popular are football, basketball, tennis, horse racing, moto racing, and similar.
Like almost everywhere in the world, football is the favorite sport among Spanish bettors.
In Spain, the decimal system times the money invested is used. For example, if the odds for Barcelona to win are 1.40 and a bettor invests 100e, the winnings are calculated – 1.40 x 100 = 140e.
Some sports betting sites in Spain will offer free bets as a part of bonuses and promotions. While this form of bonus is incredibly popular, not many gambling houses are willing to offer them.
A sign-up, or Welcome Bonus, can be claimed either upon registration or the first deposit, depending on a betting site.
As Spain is one of the leading countries in sports betting, there is a variety of options to choose from when having a gambling problem. For example, Ibiza Calm is a professional treatment facility where people can get help. Also, there are national phone lines for help, as well as seeking help from a psychologist.
🔎 Looking for casino sites? Here are the best casino sites in Spain.
