Spain has positioned itself as the frontrunner in Europe’s fight against unlicensed online gambling, using a combination of strict enforcement, police coordination and cross-border cooperation to pressure illegal operators across the whole of Europe. The country’s regulator, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), has continually improved its approach to enforcement throughout 2024 and 2025, taking a much more aggressive stance in one of Europe’s most tightly controlled gambling markets.
A decisive shift toward coordinated enforcement
Spain’s latest enforcement surge reflects a broader strategic shift for the continent. For years, the DGOJ has targeted offshore betting websites that continued to serve Spanish customers without approval, but recent actions indicate that they are only just getting started. Fourteen unlicensed operators have been blocked and banned from the market, with fines reaching several million euros each. Multiple operators sanctioned in 2024 received penalties of up to €5 million, while one repeat offender faced a €10 million fine. The DGOJ’s work is supported by a network of regional regulators and specialised police units known as the “Policía del juego.” These teams carry out inspections, assist with digital takedowns and investigate illegal betting businesses operating both online and at physical venues. Authorities say the objective is not only to enforce licensing rules but to limit money-laundering and protect consumers who may unknowingly place bets with unsafe operators. Spain’s enforcement has now gained mass attention in part because of the scale of its operations. According to publicly released sanctioning reports, total penalties issued in 2024 exceeded €75 million for unlicensed firms and more than €2 million for licensed operators that breached technical or regulatory standards. Regulators say the dual approach ensures the market remains fair, controlled and transparent for players.Europe turns toward Spain’s model
The country’s assertiveness comes at a moment when illegal gambling activity is challenging regulators all across Europe. At a meeting in Madrid in November, heads of gambling authorities from Germany, Austria, France, the UK, Italy, Portugal and Spain agreed to strengthen cooperation against unlicensed online operators. Officials emphasized that illegal gambling networks often operate across borders, run marketing campaigns on social platforms and use payment routing to bypass national controls. The agreement focuses regulators on three major priorities: sharing intelligence on illegal operators, coordinating complaints on digital platforms to curb illicit advertising, and exchanging best practices for detection and investigation. The initiative aligns with calls from public-health groups and industry associations, including GambleAware and the European Gaming and Betting Association, which have pushed for more consistent consumer-protection measures across the EU. For Spain, the partnership reinforces its position as one of Europe’s most proactive gambling regulators. Officials have emphasized that collaboration with financial institutions, police agencies and foreign regulators are essential as illegal operators adopt faster, more sophisticated digital tools to circumnavigate the system.Player protection becomes a central pillar
Spain’s regulatory push is not limited to just enforcement. The DGOJ has expanded its requirements for licensed operators, focusing heavily on early-risk identification and implementation of responsible gambling tools. Operators must now monitor player behaviors more closely, intervene when patterns indicate potential harm and restrict promotions for young adults or high-risk individuals. Monthly reporting, exclusion protocols and mandatory support hotlines are also a big part of the framework. Regulators argue that these measures are essential as Spain’s online gambling market continues to grow. With gross gaming revenue surpassing €1.4 billion and active player accounts increasing by more than 20 percent year-on-year, officials say the need to distinguish legal operators from imitators is becoming more important than ever.A growing European role
Spain’s enforcement record and new international alliances signal a leadership role in Europe’s effort to contain illegal gambling. While many challenges still remain, particularly in tracking down offshore operators that are experienced in evading local laws and restrictions, regulators across the continent are watching Spain’s model as a blueprint for a more coordinated and aggressive approach to Europe’s offshore gambling problems.References:
- DGOJ – Annual Sanctions Report (Multas / Expedientes Sancionadores) https://www.ordenacionjuego.es/es/sanciones
- DGOJ – Official Press Releases (including enforcement actions 2024–2025) https://www.ordenacionjuego.es/es/noticias
- Spanish Ministry of Consumer Affairs – Gambling Enforcement & Regulatory Updates https://consumo.gob.es/es/actualidad/noticias
- European Regulators Meeting in Madrid (Gambling Authority Heads Cooperation Statement) https://www.ordenacionjuego.es/es/noticias/comunicado-autoridades-europeas-juego
