🇪🇸 Spanish Betting Sites Guide 2025: Legality & Best Sportsbooks
Planning a trip to Spain or spending part of the year in the sun? Whether you’re heading over for La Liga matches, a summer holiday, or just a change of scenery, you might be wondering: Can I legally place sports bets in Spain? The answer is yes — but only with Spanish-licensed operators.
In this guide, we’ll break down the laws around sports betting in Spain, how it compares to the UK, and which licensed Spanish sportsbooks are worth checking out in 2025.
Sports betting in Spain has evolved into a regulated, safe, and widely accessible form of entertainment, attracting both local bettors and visitors from around the globe. With major online operators, official partnerships with sports leagues, and strict licensing requirements, Spain has become a prime destination for sports wagering.
In this guide, we’ll break down whether sports betting is legal in Spain, explain how it’s regulated, and share our picks for the best Spanish sportsbooks in 2025.
⚖️ Is Sports Betting Legal in Spain?
Yes — sports betting is 100% legal in Spain. The industry is regulated by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), Spain’s official gambling authority.
Since 2011, when Spain passed the Gambling Act, all operators must hold a Spanish license to offer betting services to residents. This includes both online sportsbooks and physical betting shops.
Key Legal Facts:
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Regulator: Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ)
- Licensing: Mandatory for both online and offline operators
- Taxation: Winnings are subject to Spanish tax law (rates vary based on total income)
- Market Scope: Includes sports betting, casino games, poker, and lotteries
Importantly, only licensed operators can legally advertise and operate in Spain, which protects players from unregulated offshore sites.
UK vs. Spain Betting Laws
While the UK Gambling Commission regulates all betting in the UK, Spain’s Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) serves a similar role. Both require operators to hold a licence, but in Spain, you must bet through a Spanish-licensed site if you’re physically located there — even if you have an account with a UK bookmaker.
Disclaimer (UK Compliance)
This guide is for informational purposes only and applies to betting while located in Spain. Gambling in the UK should only be done through UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators. Please gamble responsibly — for help and support, visit BeGambleAware.org.
📱 How to Bet in Spain
Placing bets in Spain is straightforward:
- Choose a licensed sportsbook – Look for the DGOJ seal on the site.
- Register and verify identity – Spanish regulations require KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.
- Deposit funds – Use local methods like bank transfer, credit/debit cards, or e-wallets.
- Place your bets – Pre-match or live betting is available on most major sports.
🏆 Best Spanish Sportsbooks in 2025
Here’s our selection of the top Spanish-licensed betting sites this year, each offering unique features for different types of bettors.
1. Sportium.es – Official La Liga Betting Partner
- Founded: 2007
- Specialty: Football betting with a heavy focus on Spanish leagues.
- Why We Love It: Sportium is deeply integrated with La Liga, offering exclusive promotions, special odds boosts, and in-depth stats for Spanish football.
- Extras: Mobile app, live streaming of select events, and in-play betting.
- Availability: Primarily Spain and parts of Latin America.
2. MARCA Apuestas – Trusted, Secure, and Licensed
- Operated By: Unidad Editorial Juegos SA
- License: Fully licensed by the DGOJ.
- Strengths: Competitive odds, live betting, and frequent promotions tied to major sports events.
- Why We Love It: MARCA is a household name in Spanish sports journalism, and MARCA Apuestas leverages that brand trust for a high-quality, secure betting experience.
- Extras: Mobile app, multiple payment methods, and special event promotions.
3. Betway Sports – International Reach with Spanish Compliance
- Founded: 2006 (Spanish license acquired post-2011)
- Coverage: 30+ sports, including top European football, NBA, NFL, and esports.
- Why We Love It: Betway blends international market depth with localized Spanish offers. Their live betting section is particularly strong, and they often feature enhanced odds for La Liga and Champions League matches.
- Extras: Mobile app, cash-out option, and detailed match stats.
4. Casumo – Gamified Betting Experience
- Specialty: Unique, interactive betting interface that feels more like a game than a traditional sportsbook.
- Strengths: Strong football coverage, user-friendly design, and regular bonuses for both sports and casino players.
- Why We Love It: Casumo’s playful design makes betting less intimidating for newcomers, without sacrificing depth for serious punters.
5. Willbet – Competitive Odds and Niche Markets
- Focus: Offers sharp odds on major football leagues and niche sports like handball, cycling, and futsal.
- Why We Love It: Great for bettors who like to explore less common betting markets while still enjoying competitive football lines.
📊 Comparison Table – Best Spanish Sportsbooks 2025
| Sportsbook | Licensed in Spain | Mobile App | Live Betting | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportium.es | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | La Liga partnership |
| MARCA Apuestas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Trusted media brand |
| Betway Sports | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Enhanced live betting |
| Casumo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Gamified interface |
| Willbet | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Niche sports coverage |
🎯 Tips for Betting in Spain
- Stick to licensed sites – Look for the DGOJ seal to ensure legal protection.
- Take advantage of promotions – Spanish sportsbooks often run La Liga-themed bonuses.
- Use the mobile apps – The best Spanish betting sites have fully functional apps for betting on the go.
📌 Final Thoughts
Spain’s sports betting scene is vibrant, competitive, and well-regulated. Whether you’re a die-hard La Liga fan, an NBA bettor, or just exploring occasional weekend bets, there’s a licensed Spanish sportsbook to suit your style.
From Sportium’s deep football integration to Betway’s international market variety, Spanish players enjoy both global and local betting experiences—secure in the knowledge that they’re playing within a legal, regulated framework.
