Spain Fines 14 Unlicensed Gambling Operators €77M

Spain is making headlines again—not for its booming iGaming revenue, but for a sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling.

The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has issued €77 million in fines to 14 unlicensed operators found targeting Spanish players without legal approval.

This firm enforcement effort sends a clear message: Spain is committed to protecting its regulated gambling ecosystem, safeguarding consumers, and ensuring tax compliance.

Here’s a deep dive into the penalties, the affected operators, the growing risks of identity theft, and what the industry should expect next under Spain’s evolving regulatory regime.

Spain Hits 14 Illegal Gambling Operators with €77 Million in Fines as Market Reforms Advance

3 Key Points

• Spain fined 14 unlicensed operators a total of €77 million and banned them for two years.
• Online gambling revenue in Spain hit a record €1.45 billion in 2024, growing 17.6% year-over-year.
• The DGOJ is addressing a rise in identity theft and tightening consumer protection through new reforms.

€77 Million in Fines for Illegal Gambling Activities

The Spanish gambling regulator DGOJ has imposed major sanctions on 14 unlicensed operators for conducting illegal online gambling activities.

These operators—including Adonio, Magicwin Games Tech, Mibs, Winbet, and Chestoption—were found guilty of offering gambling services to Spanish players without proper authorization.

Each operator received fines ranging from €5 million to €10 million, with one company receiving the maximum fine due to what the DGOJ described as “severe violations.”

Beyond financial penalties, all 14 companies are prohibited from operating in Spain for two years.

In a public statement, a DGOJ spokesperson confirmed:

“We will not hesitate to take firm action against companies that endanger consumers or operate outside the law.”

Regulated Market Hits New Highs Amid Reforms

While enforcement efforts ramp up, Spain’s regulated online gambling market is thriving.

• Total gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached €1.45 billion in 2024, a 17.6% increase year-over-year.
• Online casino GGR rose 17% to €730.7 million.
• Online sports betting GGR surged by 23.8% to €608.9 million.

Spain continues to outperform other European markets in both growth and regulatory transparency, setting itself apart as a stable, consumer-first jurisdiction.

Reforms on the Horizon: Royal Decree on Safer Gambling

To sustain this momentum, Spain is preparing to implement new safeguards under the Royal Decree on Safer Gambling Environments (2023).

Proposed reforms include:

• Cross-operator deposit limits: €600 per day or €1,500 per week
• Promotional restrictions for under-25s who lose more than €200
• Tighter ID verification protocols to reduce fraud

These rules aim to create a balanced environment that promotes growth while protecting high-risk players and vulnerable groups.

Identity Theft Cases Prompt Coordinated Response

Spain’s gambling ecosystem is also facing a rising wave of identity theft, with 7,700 fraud cases reported in 2023 alone.

Most cases involved unauthorized online sports betting accounts, where criminals used stolen identities to place bets and trigger tax liabilities for unsuspecting victims.

To address this, the DGOJ launched the PACS protocol (Protocolo de Atención a Consumidores Suplantados) in April 2024.

In collaboration with the AEAT (Tax Agency) and State Security Forces, PACS offers:

• A step-by-step complaint process
• Fast-track resolution for impersonated victims
• Secure cross-checks with licensed operators

This coordinated approach reinforces Spain’s focus on consumer protection and regulatory accountability.

Spain is taking bold steps to secure its online gambling environment. With €77 million in fines, record-breaking regulated revenue, and proactive consumer reforms, the country is establishing itself as a model for responsible iGaming oversight.

The DGOJ’s crackdown on unlicensed operators highlights its zero-tolerance policy toward regulatory breaches, while upcoming reforms will raise the bar for player safety and market integrity.

As the Spanish market continues to grow, licensed operators must remain vigilant—because in Spain, compliance isn’t optional. It’s mandatory.