While sunbathing in Alicante is a lot of fun, many of us end up multi-tasking while enjoying the warmth and the waves! For many beachgoers, a good book is often enough to keep the grey matter ticking over. However, have you ever thought about playing a few rounds of slots or cards on your phone while basking in the sun?
If so, you may already be wondering what the legal position is regarding playing online casino games in Spain. As a British citizen – whether an ex-pat or a holidaymaker – is it illegal to gamble online in Spain?
Before you leap onto your favourite online casino, here’s everything you need to know.
Is online gambling legal in Spain?
Here’s the good news – it’s legal for you to play online casino games in Spain. In fact, gaming has been legal here since 2011, and gambling’s actually been permitted across the country since 1977!
Before 2011, it was only legal for you to bet on sports and take part in online lotteries in Spain – and even then, this law only passed in 2006, and only state-owned services were permitted!
There is a little confusion over the different provinces of Spain and the legality that applies to gambling across the different regions. However, there’s no need to worry – online gambling is effectively as legal as you can expect playing in any of the 17 regions.
Can I play as a tourist in Spain?
Yes. Spain’s online gambling laws, thankfully, don’t start and end with citizens, as ex-pats and temporary visitors (or tourists) can get involved in the games, too. Sports are very popular, and you will find a thriving sporting culture on which to place your bets.
You’ll need to look out for gambling sites that are unlicensed or based outside Spain. In these cases, you may find Spanish authorities block access.
It’s always wise to register and play at licensed, regulated gambling sites wherever possible. Thankfully, the Spanish government has taken clear steps to support players in this regard!
Restrictions to keep in mind
Although Spain is rather open when it comes to gambling on its own soil, there are a few further rules and restrictions that prove interesting reading.
For example, the Spanish government has curbed the promotion of gambling, sites, and games to a huge extent. This has even extended to welcome bonuses!
If you’re signing up as a new customer at an online casino in Spain and wonder why there are no free spins packages welcoming you as you get started, it’s simply because this type of promotion is illegal in line with Spain’s gambling regulations.
That’s not to say you won’t find any bonuses or deals at online casinos in Spain, full stop. In fact, the rules stipulate that you can take part in bonus deals and offers if you’ve been a customer for at least a month and have paid into a given casino at least three times.
It’s also rare you’ll see advertisements for casinos and betting sites at all. Spanish regulations now stipulate that TV, online and radio commercials for gambling services can only air between 1 am and 5 am.
All of this is to protect people from problematic gambling behaviours. Ultimately the responsibility is with you, and you need to make sure that you are behaving responsibly by protecting your funds from untrustworthy sites and unhealthy gameplay.
Do I need a VPN to play online casino games in Spain?
No – you won’t need a VPN to play casino games in Spain, but it’s good practice to use one wherever possible if you’re concerned about security and online protection.
In some cases, people may use VPNs to access overseas casinos and slot sites while in Spain, but as you’re only permitted to visit casinos with Spanish licences while on the country’s soil, we strongly advise you to follow the local laws.
However, you can still use a VPN to connect to a Spanish online casino and make secure payments and withdrawals.
If, for example, you’re set to make mobile payments via casino and want to ensure your details stay private, install a VPN app on your phone and log into your account as you’d normally expect.
Logging in via VPN helps to protect you from hacking attempts, and effectively shields your location. If you’re concerned about playing casino games online through Spanish Wi-Fi spots, we further recommend using a VPN for security.
Unfortunately – no matter where you travel – hacking through public Wi-Fi is commonplace. So make sure to protect yourself from fraud by using a secure internet connection as well as secure sites.
What games and gambling options are licensed in Spain?
Outside of online casinos and slot sites, you’ll also find that each of the 17 territories within Spain authorises brick-and-mortar gambling. Therefore, if you’d like to step away from the screen for a little while and sample a true Vegas experience, you shouldn’t have too far to look.
Right now, Spanish authorities allow gambling arcades (or slot halls), bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls and lottery providers (within Spain only) to operate with full licences. Always make sure that – if you do head to a physical betting or gambling establishment – that there’s a clear licence on display.
Licensing is there to support you, keep your money safe, and ensure that games remain fair and random. Otherwise, you may be at risk of losing funds to fraud!
Conclusion
Just because you move away from British soil doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy slots and casino games on your mobile or laptop. However, you will need to ensure the sites you play at are fully licensed within Spanish regulations.
Otherwise, you can feel free to browse the wide array of gambling and gaming fun that Spain has to offer. Thankfully, unlike some territories, Spain is fairly relaxed when it comes to gambling – but that said, any restrictions you do come across exist purely to support your safety.
Why not take a look at some of Spain’s licensed casinos and see what games you can find while abroad? Don’t forget – Spain’s internet providers will block any gambling sites not covered through their licensing.
