Gambling Age In Spain

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Spain, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Gambling Act, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and progressive, with over 60 casinos in Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga, offering slots, poker, and table games, aligning with your interest in extensive game catalogs. Betting shops and state-run lotteries, like ONCE and Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, valued at €800 million annually, supports Spain’s tourism-driven economy.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2011, with licensed operators offering casinos, sports betting, and poker via mobile-friendly platforms, generating €1.2 billion in 2024. The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) ensures age verification and compliance. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, with over 1,500 domains restricted by 2025, and players face fines up to €100,000, reinforcing Spain’s position as a leading EU gambling market.

Regulation and Oversight: The DGOJ, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, regulates gambling under the Gambling Act of 2011. It oversees licensing, akin to the rigorous processes you’ve explored, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives, including the RGIAJ self-exclusion register. Spain’s multi-licensing model, praised by the EGBA, supports a competitive market, with 2024 reforms lowering taxes to 15% to attract operators while funding addiction programs.

Enforcement and Penalties: Spain enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to €50 million, license revocation, or criminal charges. Illegal websites are blocked, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The DGOJ’s 2025 advertising restrictions, limiting promotions to post-10 PM, ensure a secure and socially responsible gambling environment, aligning with EU standards.