A Handbook for Placing Bets on Sports in Spain

Betting on sports is a well-liked activity in Spain, with a market that has been consistently expanding over time. In 2017, a total of €5 billion was wagered in the country, and this figure continues to rise each year. Consequently, there is a growing interest among individuals to gain knowledge about sports betting in Spain.

This guide provides a comprehensive look into sports betting in Spain. It covers the laws, popular sports for betting, online betting platforms, various types of bets, payment options, bonuses and promotional offers, user experience, casino betting, and commonly asked questions. After reading this guide, you will have a better grasp of the ins and outs of sports betting in Spain and how to begin.

Key Takeaways

In Spain, sports betting is a widely practiced pastime with a market that is expanding and has now exceeded that of the UK.
There is a wide selection of sports and betting choices available from numerous online betting companies in Spain.
Having knowledge of the legal aspects, ways of payment, and rewards and deals can assist individuals placing bets on sports in making well-informed choices.

Explanation of Gambling on Sports in Spain

The nation of Spain has a lively sports scene, making it unsurprising that sports betting is a widely enjoyed activity. In Spain, sports betting is both legal and regulated, with the Spanish government monitoring the industry through the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).

The Spanish market offers a variety of options for sports bettors, with many online sports betting operators available to Spanish users. All players in Spain are recommended to register with regulated websites that have been granted a license by the DGOJ, which ensures a safe and secure betting experience.

Soccer, also known as football, is the top sport in popularity in Spain and is heavily associated with betting. Along with soccer, Spanish betting websites also offer a diverse selection of other sports to bet on such as basketball, tennis, cricket, golf, rugby union, darts, and others.

For Spanish individuals interested in online sports betting, there are numerous choices available. Some of the top betting websites in Spain are BetUS Sports, Bet365, 888Sport, and Betway. These platforms provide a wide selection of betting opportunities, such as pre-game and live betting, along with various promotions and bonuses.

It should be emphasized that Spanish online gambling platforms adhere to stringent regulations, guaranteeing players a just and transparent betting experience. The DGOJ also enforces responsible gambling guidelines for operators, such as implementing measures to prevent gambling addiction.

In Spain, sports betting is a widely enjoyed and closely monitored field, offering a variety of choices for Spanish participants. Regardless of your experience level, whether you are a seasoned gambler or just starting out, the Spanish market has something for everyone.

Legal Landscape

The gambling industry in Spain is governed by a multifaceted set of laws that cover both online and offline betting. This portion will give an introduction to the Spanish Gambling Act, the governing bodies tasked with enforcing it, variations in gambling laws across different regions, and rules for advertising.

Spanish Gambling Act

The legislation of Spain, called Ley 13/2011 or the Spanish Gambling Act, oversees all gambling practices in the country. It outlines the qualifications for obtaining a license, the permissible games, and the regulations for conducting such activities.

According to the Spanish Gambling Act, any company wishing to provide services to Spanish residents must first acquire a licence from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ). The DGOJ is in charge of overseeing and controlling all online gambling operations in Spain.

Regulatory Bodies

The DGOJ is the primary governing agency in charge of upholding the Spanish Gambling Act. Its duties include granting licenses to operators, overseeing gambling operations, and enforcing regulations for the proper conduct of gambling.

Aside from the DGOJ, there are also governing bodies at the regional level that are tasked with upholding gambling regulations in their respective autonomous areas. These governing bodies are in charge of granting licenses to operators, overseeing gambling operations, and ensuring compliance with the rules governing gambling conduct.

Regional Differences

Although the Spanish Gambling Act establishes guidelines for gambling operations throughout the nation, there are variations in gambling regulations among different regions that operators must take into account. Each autonomous community has its own governing entity in charge of enforcing gambling laws within their jurisdiction.

In Catalonia, the Catalan Gambling Authority is in charge of enforcing gambling laws, while in Andalusia, the Regional Government has this responsibility.

Advertising Regulations

The Spanish Gambling Act governs the promotion of gambling in Spain. It forbids operators from promoting their services in a deceptive manner or targeting vulnerable individuals.

Operators are required to follow strict advertising rules that forbid the use of specific marketing strategies, like providing free bets or bonuses to new clients. The DGOJ is in charge of enforcing these rules and has the authority to issue penalties or revoke licenses for any violations.

To sum up, the act of betting on sports in Spain is governed by a detailed set of laws that cover both online and in-person gambling. Operators are required to follow the Spanish Gambling Act, acquire proper licenses, and abide by strict guidelines for advertising.

Some popular sports that people often place bets on include football, basketball, baseball, and horse racing.

In Spain, sports betting is a widely enjoyed activity with individuals frequently placing bets on their preferred sports. The following are some of the most favored sports for betting in Spain:

Football Betting

Soccer is the most widely followed sport in Spain, making it a top choice for betting. La Liga, the country’s premier football league, generates significant betting activity. Additionally, the Champions League is a highly favored event for soccer betting.

Basketball Betting

In Spain, basketball is a commonly bet on sport, with the Liga ACB being the top league for betting on this sport. The NBA is also a popular choice for basketball betting in the country.

Tennis Betting

In Spain, tennis is a well-liked activity for placing wagers, particularly on major tournaments like the French Open and Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal is a favored competitor among bettors from Spain and is frequently predicted to come out victorious in these events.

Esports Betting

The esports market in Spain is expanding and gaining traction in the realm of betting. Titles such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are highly sought after for esports wagers.

Horse Racing Betting

In Spain, horse racing is a common activity for placing bets, with numerous individuals wagering on races at local racebooks. The Gran Premio de Madrid is a highly sought-after horse race in Spain, drawing significant betting interest.

To summarize, the following are the top sports for gambling in Spain, providing numerous chances for bettors to wager on their preferred sports and leagues. Regardless of whether one’s interest lies in football, basketball, tennis, esports, or horse racing, there is a wide range of choices available for sports betting in Spain.

Online Betting Operators in Spain

There are numerous choices available for online sports betting in Spain, including both local and global options. Many reputable bookmakers cater to the Spanish market. In this section, we will examine some of the top online betting operators in Spain.

Domestic Operators

There are various domestic companies authorized to provide online sports betting services in Spain. These companies are overseen by the Spanish Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego, which guarantees that they adhere to strict safety and fairness protocols. Some of the top domestic operators in Spain are:

Bwin
William Hill
888sport
Bet365
Betfair

All of these operators provide various options for sports betting, favorable odds, and easy-to-use platforms. They also offer a variety of deals and rewards to entice new users and keep current ones interested.

International Operators

Aside from local companies, there are also multiple foreign companies that have been granted licenses to provide online sports betting services in Spain. These operators are under the jurisdiction of the same governing bodies as local companies and also provide a variety of sports betting options, competitive odds, and user-friendly interfaces. Some of the most well-known foreign operators in Spain are:

Betfair
22bet

Although overseas operators may not have the same level of brand awareness as local operators, they typically have more favorable odds and a broader selection of sports betting options. Additionally, they offer various promotions and incentives to entice new clients and retain current ones.

In Spain, there is a wide selection of trustworthy online betting companies available for you to select from. Whether you have a preference for local or global companies, you can trust that you will find a trustworthy and dependable platform to make your wagers on.

Types of Bets

In Spain, there are many choices for sports betting, which may be daunting for those new to it. Yet, knowing the various types of bets can assist in making educated choices and improving the odds of success.

Pre-Match Bets

Pre-match bets are bets placed before the start of a match. These bets are popular among sports bettors in Spain and are available for a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, and tennis. Some of the popular pre-match bets include:

Outcome Prediction: This is the most basic form of betting, where the person making the bet predicts the final result of the match. The individual can opt to bet on the team playing at home, the team playing away, or a tie.
In this type of wager, the bettor makes a prediction about the overall number of goals that will be scored in the game.
Reworded: Handicap bets are a common choice in football betting, where one team is given a handicap in order to balance the odds. This allows bettors to place bets on either the favored team winning by a specific margin or the underdog team losing by a specific margin.

Live Betting

Reworded: In Spain, live betting is a widely used method of sports betting, also referred to as in-play betting. This type of betting allows individuals to make bets on a game while it is currently being played. Some of the commonly bet on markets during live betting include:

Number of Corners: This type of bet involves predicting the total amount of corners that will be awarded during a match.
Objective: In this particular wager, the individual placing the bet predicts which team will be the first to score the next goal.
Match Winner: In this type of bet, the bettor predicts the outcome of the match while it is in progress.

Betting Markets

In Spain, there are various types of bets available for different sports, known as betting markets. Some of the most popular betting markets in Spain are:

Soccer is the preferred sport for betting in Spain, with options such as match outcome, total goals, handicap, and more available in the betting market.
Basketball is a commonly wagered on sport in Spain, with popular betting options including the match outcome, total points, and handicap.
In Spain, tennis is a highly favored sport for placing bets. Some of the betting options for tennis include predicting the match outcome, betting on specific sets, and more.

Betting Slip

A wager receipt is a record displaying the wagers made by a bettor. It is crucial to review the receipt before finalizing the bet to ensure accuracy. Furthermore, the receipt displays the potential earnings for each bet.

Payment Methods

Spanish sports betting websites provide a range of choices for payment methods. These are some of the frequently used options by bettors in Spain:

Cards

Spanish sports betting sites commonly accept credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. These methods are convenient and have quick processing times for both deposits and withdrawals. Keep in mind that certain banks may restrict transactions to gambling sites, so it’s wise to confirm with your bank before using your card to add funds.

E-Wallets

Electronic wallets, including Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal, are widely used by bettors in Spain for making payments. These e-wallets provide a quick and safe way to add or withdraw money, and numerous sports betting platforms offer exclusive rewards for utilizing them.

Bank Transfers

Transferring money via a bank is a dependable way to pay, but it can be time-consuming and may come with extra charges. Nevertheless, it is a suitable choice for making bigger deposits and withdrawals.

Other Options

Some Spanish websites for sports betting may also allow payments through methods like Teleingresso and cryptocurrencies. However, these alternatives are not as widely used and may not be offered by all sports betting sites.

In general, it is crucial to take into account elements like speed, safety, and ease when deciding on a payment method. By picking the appropriate method of payment, Spanish bettors can have a seamless and effortless experience with sports betting.

Bonuses and Promotions

A major draw of sports betting in Spain is the abundance of bonuses and promotions provided by bookmakers. These incentives are designed to entice new clients and keep current ones interested. They take various forms such as welcome rewards, betting deals, and promo codes.

Bookmakers often provide welcome bonuses to new customers who register and deposit funds for the first time. These bonuses can come in the form of free bets, extra funds, or a combination of both. For instance, a bookmaker may offer a 100% bonus up to €100 for new customers. This means that if someone deposits €100, they will receive an additional €100 in bonus funds, giving them a total of €200 to use for betting.

Bookmakers often provide betting offers as a bonus for their current customers to entice them to make more bets. These offers can take various forms, such as improved odds, cashback deals, or free bets. As an illustration, a bookmaker may offer improved odds for a specific football game. This means that if a customer places a bet on that game, they will receive better odds than the standard ones.

Bookmakers use promotional codes to provide bonuses and promotions to their customers. These codes can be utilized to access exclusive offers like free bets or bonus funds. They are typically distributed through email or text messages. Customers can redeem a promotional code by inputting it into the designated area while making a deposit or placing a bet.

Please be aware that bonuses and promotions are subject to certain terms and conditions. These may include minimum odds, wagering requirements, and time constraints. It is recommended that customers carefully review the terms and conditions before accepting any bonuses or promotions.

User Experience

In the realm of sports betting, it is crucial to prioritize user experience. In Spain, bettors can partake in a smooth and satisfying betting experience, thanks to the diverse features and offerings provided by bookmakers.

Mobile Betting

In recent times, there has been a rise in the popularity of mobile betting in Spain. Bookmakers have created mobile apps that enable individuals to bet on their preferred sports events from any location and at any given time. These apps are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for users to access and use the different features and services provided by the bookmakers.

Customer Service

Customer service is an essential aspect of user experience in sports betting. In Spain, bookmakers offer excellent customer service to their users. Users can contact customer support through various channels such as phone, email, and live chat. The customer support team is knowledgeable and always ready to assist users with any issues they may encounter.

Security and Safety

The safety and security of users is of utmost importance in the world of sports betting. In Spain, bookmakers utilize sophisticated security protocols to safeguard users’ personal and financial data. Users can trust that their information will remain secure when they bet with authorized bookmakers.

Formatting of Odds and Time Zone

Spanish bookmakers provide odds in multiple formats, such as decimal, fractional, and American. Users have the flexibility to select the odds format that best suits them. Furthermore, Spanish bookmakers take into account the time zone when presenting odds, ensuring that users are placing bets on live events.

The overall experience for users of sports betting in Spain is exceptional. The various features and services provided by bookmakers make for a smooth and enjoyable betting experience.

Gambling at Spanish Casinos

For those interested in gambling at casinos in Spain, there are numerous choices available. The country has a well-controlled gambling sector that permits both online and physical casinos to operate within the law. In this section, we will discuss the various types of casinos and casino games that can be found in Spain.

Online Casinos

Reworded: Many individuals who enjoy gambling opt for online casinos as they offer the convenience of playing from home. In Spain, the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) oversees and regulates online casinos to ensure they operate with fairness and transparency under their licensing.

Gamblers have the option to select from a vast selection of virtual gambling establishments that provide a variety of games including slot machines, video slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Additionally, numerous online casinos feature live casino games where players can engage with authentic dealers in real-time.

Land-Based Casinos

Spain is home to several land-based casinos that offer a wide range of games to players. These casinos are regulated by the Spanish Gaming Commission, which ensures that they operate fairly and transparently.

Some of the most popular land-based casinos in Spain include Casino Barcelona, Casino Gran Madrid, and Casino de Ibiza. These casinos offer a wide range of games, including slots, video slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker.

Casino Games

In Spain, casino games are a well-liked source of amusement. Individuals have a variety of options to pick from, such as slot machines, video slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker. Additionally, many casinos provide other games like baccarat, craps, and sic bo.

Slot games are highly favored in Spanish casinos, known for their simplicity and potential for large payouts. Video slots are also a hit, providing players with a more engaging and interactive gaming experience.

In Spain, roulette and blackjack are highly sought after casino games. These games demand expertise and strategic thinking, making them particularly favored by seasoned players. Additionally, poker is a well-liked option, with numerous casinos hosting frequent tournaments.

Lotteries

In Spain, lotteries are a commonly used method of gambling. The National Lottery, run by the Spanish government, is the most well-known lottery in the nation. Other popular lotteries include the ONCE and La Primitiva lotteries.

Individuals can engage in internet-based drawings, which are overseen by the DGOJ. These drawings offer the potential to win substantial rewards, including jackpots that can reach millions of euros.

Spain has a well-organized gambling sector that permits individuals to partake in various casino games and lotteries. Whether you prefer online gambling or traditional casino settings, there are numerous options to cater to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sports betting sites are considered the best in Spain?

In Spain, there are multiple highly-rated websites for sports betting, including Betway, Bet365, William Hill, and Betfair. These sites provide a diverse selection of sports and events to place bets on, along with attractive odds and promotions.

What are the available betting apps in Spain that provide free bets?

Several gambling applications in Spain provide complimentary wagers to first-time users, including Betway, Betfair, and William Hill. These free bets are typically presented as a sign-up incentive upon creating an account.

What are the guidelines and laws governing internet gambling in Spain?

Gambling on the internet is permitted in Spain and is overseen by the Spanish government. Any operators of online gambling must obtain a license from the Spanish gambling authority and adhere to rigorous rules to guarantee the security and impartiality of their offerings.

Is it possible to utilize Boylesports or FanDuel for placing sports bets in Spain?

Boylesports and FanDuel are not licensed to operate in Spain and therefore are not legal options for sports betting in the country. It is recommended to use licensed and regulated operators, such as Betway or Bet365, to ensure a safe and secure betting experience.

Which is the top sports tipster or prediction website in Spain?

Spain has multiple websites for sports predictions and tips, including Sportium, Betfair, and Betway. It is crucial to keep in mind that no website or tipster can promise a guaranteed win. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the bettor to make well-informed choices using their own research and analysis.

How can I make a sports bet in Spain with Betway or Bet365?

In order to bet on sports in Spain through Betway or Bet365, you need to first register an account on their individual websites or mobile apps. Once you have an account, you can explore the options for sports and events, choose your preferred bet, and enter the amount you want to bet. After the bet is placed, it will be confirmed and any profits will be added to your account.