Step By Step Guide To Start An Online Casino in Spain

Investors who want to start an online casino in Spain must comply with the rules and regulations imposed by the Spanish authorities. Let’s discuss the key steps for starting an online casino in Spain.

Welcome to Spain, where over 60% of casino players place bets.

And Spain’s iGaming industry is a goldmine for entrepreneurs.

Fueled by the popularity of poker, slots, and other casino games, Spain allows operators to rake in millions every year.

As a result, the demand for advanced white label casino software has grown, offering immense opportunities for operators.

With such a golden opportunity, this guide will walk you through the roadmap to success in one of Europe’s most lucrative iGaming markets.

Is Online Casino Legal In Spain?

Before we get into Spain’s iGaming market overview, first let’s talk about whether online casino is legal in Spain or not.

Yes, iGaming is legal in Spain. The online casino industry was regulated in 2011 by Law 13/2011, commonly known as the Spanish Gambling Act.

The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) oversees the implementation of this law. They ensure all operators comply with the regulations and maintain fair gaming practices.

The act includes various iGaming activities like poker, casino games, sports betting, etc.

Read More – 7 Things That Make A Good Online Casino

Online Casino In Spain: Market Overview

Online casino market in Spain

Source:- Data is taken from the Grand View Research Report

With a population of 47.89 million, a 96% internet penetration rate, and the craze for online casino games, the Spanish iGaming market has a lot to offer to investors, entrepreneurs, and operators.

As per the Grand View Research report, in 2024, the online casino sector in Spain generated approximately $766.8 million in revenue. Projections suggest this figure will reach $1,457.7 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% between 2025 and 2030.

Known to be the most active iGaming industry in the world, the market is divided into casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, lottery, and other games.

Thus, casinos have the largest share of the Spanish iGaming market, followed by sports betting and lotteries.

As of 2026, the market continues to expand, and the Spanish Gambling Act offers a clear regulatory framework. This makes Spain an appealing destination for both local and international operators to start an online casino in Spain.

Preferred Languages To Start an Online Casino In Spain

Before starting an online casino in Spain, it’s important to know which language people prefer to play casino games.

Unlike the UK, Australia, and Malta, English is not the preferred language in Spain. While Spain’s official language is Spanish, the country has multiple regional languages, including Galician, Catalan, and Basque.

For online casino operators targeting the Spanish market, offering services, particularly in Spanish, is requisite.

Albeit, to enhance the users’ experience, operators must incorporate regional languages, particularly in areas where languages are predominantly spoken.

Whether you use White Label or Turnkey Casino Solution, make sure to offer services in the regional language. You can significantly improve player engagement and retention by making your platform multilingual.

Spanish Licensing System

iGaming is a restricted industry. Every operator who wants to start an online casino in Spain needs to obtain a prior license.

The Spanish Government issues two types of licenses to operators: General License (state level) and Singular License. Let’s discuss each of these licenses in detail below:

General License

This type of license covers major categories of gaming activities like betting, lotteries, contests, and other casino games. By obtaining this license, operators can run a specific type of iGaming activity.

This license shall be valid for 10 years and renewed for an equal period of time. The application process is initiated via a public call announced by the DGOJ.

Singular License

This is the more specific license. A Singular license is procured by the operators who have already obtained a General license.

Operators need a Singular license for specific games like roulette, blackjack, poker, etc. Each game type requires its singular license.

The singular license can be granted for a maximum period of five years and can be extended for a similar period.

Note To Remember 👇

Operators can’t launch online casino platforms without obtaining a Singular license in Spain. Therefore, obtaining both licenses is important.

Steps To Apply For A License in Spain

Let’s understand the crucial steps involved in applying for both general and singular licenses.

Step 1: Understand License Requirements

Since Spain has two primary types of licenses, operators need to know which license they require for iGaming services.

General License
Singular License

Note: We have already talked about these two licenses above; read them again to have a better understanding.

Step 2: General License Application Process

The application for this license can only be submitted during a public tender process, which the DGOJ announces routinely. The key steps involved in this process include:

Important documents like a business plan (detailing the scope of services, target market, and revenue projections) are required.
Financial reports depicting the financial stability of the company to match the regulatory requirements.
Technical projections defining the platform’s architecture, security measures, and responsible gaming protocols.

Step 3: Singular License Application Process

Once the general license is permitted, operators can apply for a singular license that targets specific casino, sports, or poker iGaming activities. The steps involved in it include:

First, operators have to submit a singular license application for each iGaming activity they want to offer. This includes:

A brief description of the particular service
Proof of financial stability
Compliance with required standards

DGOJ Technical Certification: In this step, operators have to ensure their technical systems, i.e., hardware, software, and player management systems, procure a certification from a DGOJ-approved testing laboratory.

Step 4: Establish A Legal Presence In Spain

Picture this: if you’re a foreign operator who wants to run an online casino in Spain, you must have a legal representative or open a physical office in the country.

Why? It will facilitate compliance with local laws and allow easier interaction with regulators. Further, you have to register with the Spanish Tax Authority (Agencia Tributaria).

Step 5: Meet Financial Aspects

In any business, financial stability is an important component of the application process. To make online casinos legal in Spain, operators have to abide by these two requirements:

Provide a bank guarantee to ensure coverage for players’ funds or any regulatory fines.
Maintain enough capital reserves to depict financial stability and support ongoing operations.

Step 6: Ongoing Compliance And Audits

Once both licenses are granted, operators have to monitor and audit to ensure continued compliance. This includes:

Regular audits to verify compliance with security standards, responsible gaming protocols, and data protection laws.
AML and Player Protection Compliance to ensure adherence to strict player protection rules.

Starting Online Casino In Spain: Major Steps To Follow

Every business is unique, but one thing is common, i.e., S.T.E.P.S required to kick-start, and online casinos are no exception.

Below, we will shed light on the key steps required to start an online casino in Spain. Let’s dive in.

Market Research

Research is the first step before starting any business. The iGaming industry is competitive so conducting thorough research to understand the Spanish online casino landscape is the ladder to success.

Things you can research include:

Competitors
Players preferences
Market trends
Most played games

And the list goes on.

Once the research is done, work on developing a robust business plan reflecting your value proposition, target audience, and financial projections.

Legal Compliance And Licensing

iGaming is a restricted industry, no matter which country you’re running a business in. Every country requires legal compliance, and Spain is no exception.

To understand licensing requirements, engage with the DGOJ. Follow the proper application process to obtain the license. This involves submitting detailed documentation, which includes:

Corporate structure
Financial stability proof

Further, compliance with responsible online casino measures and player protection policies is mandatory.

Right Software Selection

There are numerous types of software rule the iGaming industry, including White Label, Turnkey, and White Label Crypto Casino Solutions.

Choosing the right software is important to achieving business goals. Here’s what you need to know about the three software to pick the one suitable to your needs.

White Label Casino Software

As a cost-effective and hassle-free option, the white label casino software is a fully managed platform that operators can use under their brand name.

The software provider handles the backend operations like casino payment solutions, game content, and licensing. Whereas the operator focuses on marketing and player acquisition.

A white label casino solution is a great choice for those who want to launch quickly without handling technical complexities.

Voila! PieGaming is here to skyrocket your casino business with its robust iGaming software solutions.

Turnkey Casino Software

It is a customizable and ready-to-launch platform that provides everything required to operate an online casino. The Turnkey Casino Solution is ideal for entrepreneurs who want full control over branding, marketing, and operations.

White Label Crypto Casino Solutions

This is a specialised platform designed for casinos that want to operate using cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, or USDT.

It offers seamless crypto payment gateways, provably fair games, and other things to enhance transparency and security.

The rising popularity of crypto iGaming allows operators to tap into a global market with lower transaction fees and fewer regulatory barriers.

Depending on your business requirements, choose the white label crypto casino solution that helps in achieving goals.

Game Integration

The casino is all about engaging games that players play for their entertainment and earning money.

In Spain, online casino players have a strong preference for a blend of classic casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and bingo.

Further, live dealer casino games and mobile-optimized platforms are shaping the future of Spain’s online casino industry.

Partner with leading games providers like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, etc. Also, ensure fair gameplay with Random Number Generators or RNG in iGaming.

Integrate Payment Gateway Solutions

A secure and seamless payment gateway is essential to run a successful online casino in Spain.

Gone are the days when players would visit land-based casinos and bet with cash. Since the advent of online casinos, players expect fast, secure, and diverse payment options to deposit and withdraw funds conveniently.

The right payment gateway solution will ensure compliance with Spanish regulations and enhance the overall gaming experience.

Popular Payment Methods For Online Casinos In Spain

Marketing And Promotions

This doesn’t end here!

To expand your business across the country and internationally, you have to develop a marketing strategy aligned with Spain’s advertising regulations.

How do you do it?

You have to utilize digital marketing channels, affiliate programs, and partnerships to reach your target audience effectively.

Ready To Enter The Market?

Entering the online casino market in Spain requires careful planning, adherence to regulatory standards, and a commitment to offering a high-quality and engaging gaming experience.

Success in this competitive industry hinges on the right white label iGaming solution. With the right strategy, the Spanish iGaming market promises long-term growth and profitability for pioneering operators.

How can PieGaming help you?

PieGaming offers tailored solutions to help budding operators, startups, and entrepreneurs thrive in the competitive iGaming industry in Spain.

Book a demo without any delay!

Highlights 👇

The iGaming market in Spain is governed by Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
General License is permitted for categories like betting, gaming, and lotteries.
Singular License is granted for specific games like poker and blackjack.
Sports betting is the most popular form of iGaming in Spain.

Last Update: March 16th, 2026

FAQs

Is online gambling legal in Spain?

Yes, online gambling is legal in Spain, and regulated under the Spanish Gambling Act (Law 13/2011). Operators must procure a license from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) to run online casinos legally.
Can foreign companies apply for an online casino license in Spain?

Yes, foreign companies can apply for a Spanish online casino license. However, the condition is they must establish a legal entity within the country and comply with local taxes and operational requirements set by DGOJ.

What types of licenses are required to operate an online casino in Spain?

Spain requires two types of licenses, issued by DGOJ. 1) a General License, which covers broad iGaming activities like betting or other games, and 2) a Singular License, which includes particular games like blackjack, slots, or roulette.
How long does it take to get an online casino up and running?

The process can take about 6 to 12 months. It also depends upon the regulatory approvals, platform development, and licensing requirements. The DGOJ’s application process itself takes several months, followed by technical certification and compliance checks.

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Monika Gola

Monika Gola is a seasoned writer at PieGaming specializing in the iGaming industry. With years of experience, she delivers insightful content on trends, innovations, and strategies in the online casino domain. Monika's work is known for her clarity and depth, making complex topics accessible and easy to understand to a wide audience. Explore the world of iGaming through her engaging and informative content.