Online betting on sites has grown significantly in the last decade, becoming one of the main forms of entertainment for millions of people. The rise of the internet, along with the popularization of international sports and events, has allowed bettors to access platforms from the comfort of their homes.

In this article, we will explain how online betting works in Spain, its regulation and the most common types of bets.

1. Regulation of Online Betting in Spain

Online betting in Spain is regulated by the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ), an agency dependent on the Ministry of Consumption. Law 13/2011 on Gambling, approved in May 2011, regulates all online gambling activities, including sports betting, poker, bingo and casinos.

To operate legally in Spain, bookmakers must obtain a license from the DGOJ. This license ensures that platforms comply with strict security requirements, protection of users’ personal data, and fraud prevention.

Betting houses are also obliged to promote responsible gambling, implementing deposit limits and offering tools for users to control their gambling activity.

It is important that players only bet on platforms that have the corresponding license, as this ensures that transactions are safe and that bets are made fairly.

2. How Online Betting Works

Online betting in Spain works in a simple and accessible way. Users must register on a betting platform, provide their personal data and verify their identity. Once registered, they can make deposits of money through different payment methods such as credit cards, bank transfers or electronic wallets.

Online platforms offer a wide variety of events and sports to bet on, from popular sports such as football and basketball, to less common events such as table tennis or electronic sports (esports). They also allow live betting, which adds an extra layer of excitement by allowing users to bet in real time as matches or events unfold.

3. Most Common Types of Bets in Spain

Sports betting is the most popular type of bet in Spain. Below are some of the most common types of bets:

Single bet: The most basic bet, where the player chooses a specific outcome, such as the winner of a match or the number of goals. It is an ideal option for beginners, as it only involves one selection.

Combined bet: In this bet, the user selects several outcomes in different events. To win, all predictions must be correct, which increases the risk, but also the potential profits.

Live bets: These allow users to place bets during the development of an event in real time. The odds vary as the event progresses, offering opportunities to make strategic decisions based on the performance of teams or players.

Futures: These bets are made in advance of an event or tournament. For example, predicting who will win the Champions League before the competition even starts. Although these bets can take time to settle, they often offer attractive odds.

4. Advantages of Online Betting

Online betting offers several advantages compared to traditional betting in physical establishments:

• Convenience: Players can bet from anywhere and at any time, using their mobile devices or computers. There is no need to travel to a betting shop.
• Variety of options: Online platforms offer a greater number of events, sports and betting markets, allowing users to have more options to choose from.
• Bonuses and promotions: Many online bookmakers offer welcome bonuses for new users and special promotions, such as free bets or increased odds.

5. Responsible Gambling

A key aspect of online betting in Spain is the promotion of responsible gambling. Regulated platforms are obliged to implement measures that prevent compulsive gambling, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion tools and awareness campaigns. The DGOJ also monitors these activities to ensure that regulations are followed and that players have access to the resources necessary to maintain control over their gambling behavior.

Conclusion

Online betting in Spain is a legal and regulated activity that offers users a wide variety of options to bet on sports and events. With strict regulation by the DGOJ, punters can enjoy a safe and fair experience as long as they use licensed platforms. However, it is essential to bet responsibly and consciously, using the tools available to avoid gambling-related problems.