The online gambling industry in Spain has observed a modest increment in revenue during the final stretch of 2021. Data from the fourth quarter reveals that gross gaming revenue marginally increased by 0.6% as compared to the corresponding period in 2022. This subtle yet positive shift suggests the industry’s resilience and potential growth.
The end-of-year revenue boost was not just a fleeting trend but also marked a 3.6% advance from the figures reported in the third quarter of the year, indicating a steady upward trajectory for the sector. Amidst various gaming avenues, the casino segment emerged as the powerhouse, contributing significantly to the nation’s online gambling scene.
Commanding over half of the market revenue, the casino segment generated a substantial €171.3 million, which accounts for a staggering 54.3%. The slots and live roulette sub-segments were particularly instrumental, riding the wave of a significant hike in earnings. Slots soared with a 25.9% boost in revenue, while live roulette followed suit with a commendable 15.3% growth rate, showcasing the unflagging popularity of these virtual games among enthusiasts.
While casino platforms were the prime earners, sports betting platforms carved out their solid niche, bringing in €114.7 million, which made up for 36.4% of the entire revenue pie. Poker, another popular choice among bettors, contributed €25.4 million to the revenue pool, which is 8.1% of the total share. A deeper dive into poker’s financials unveils a mixed bag, with tournaments experiencing a minor setback of 0.5% and poker cash games dropping by 7.0%.
The online gambling bouquet in Spain featured other options as well; bingo, for instance, added €3.8 million in revenue, forming a modest 1.2% portion of overall revenue. Contests, although the smallest contributor at €50,000, completed the diverse offering made available to Spanish gamblers.
Reflectively, the consumer spending pattern in the online gambling accounts also marked an uptick. Players deposited an exorbitant total of €1.04 billion in Q4, registering a notable 9.4% increase year-on-year. The burgeoning industry also reflected in the average number of active gaming accounts per month, which climbed to 1,269,585—an impressive 6.8% hike from the previous year’s data. However, the influx of new game accounts per month presented a minor contraction by 2.3%, settling at 129,207.
The industry’s vibrancy could also be gauged by the marketing undertakings of the operators. The total marketing expenditure for Q4 stood at €113.0 million, marking a 5.3% escalation from the previous year. This spend was broken down across various channels, with promotions leading at €53.0 million, followed by advertising at €45.2 million, affiliation at €14.0 million, and a comparatively smaller investment in sponsorship at €750,000.
As the fourth quarter came to a close, the total count of licensed operators active in Spain was 78. Delving into specifics, the online gambling landscape comprised 49 casinos, 43 sports betting establishments, 9 poker hubs, 3 bingo operators, and 2 contest organizers. These figures not only reflect the diverse preferences of the Spanish gambling community but also underline the robust infrastructure supporting the country’s ever-evolving online gambling industry. With an eye on continuous innovation and player satisfaction, Spain’s online gambling sector is poised for sustained growth and enhanced contribution to the digital entertainment economy.
