The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise.
What Is the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling?
The Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGJO) is the main regulatory body responsible for overseeing all types of gambling activities in Spain. It not only regulates but also authorises, supervises and penalises any Spanish Directorate General for the regulation of gambling casinos. Like all other online gambling authorities, it also makes sure that all gambling activities in Spain are conducted fairly and transparently.
The DGOJ is considered a notable gambling authority and is one of the few regulatory bodies in the world that has legalised and regulated online gambling. The Spanish government has taken a proactive approach to online gambling, by recognising its potential to create jobs and generate revenue.
DGOJ Contact Details
If you need to get in touch with the DGOJ or want to inquire about how to get a Spain gambling license, you can check out the details below.
Official name
Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ)
Founded
2011
Headquarters
Madrid, Spain
Jurisdiction
Spain
Parent department
Spanish Ministry of Finance
Website
www.ordenacionjuego.es
History of Spain’s Gambling Authority
In 2006, the Spanish government passed its first online gambling laws, which legalised sports betting both online and betting outlets. Land-based casinos across the country are currently monitored by the 17 regional governments with the central government in Madrid tackling responsibility for national regulations.
The Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) was established in 2011. At the same time, the country introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework to improve the market's functioning and protect the interests of operators and consumers. Before this, each of Spain's 17 autonomous regions had its own laws for managing gambling activities.
The Spanish Gambling Act, enacted on May 26, 2011, regulates different forms of gambling nationwide to prevent risk behaviour, money laundering, and fraud, and establish licensing procedures. The act centralises control measures but allows regions to have individual policies within their territories.
Today, Spain has one of the largest gambling markets in Europe, with over 50 land-based casinos driving the majority of traffic and revenue, and a growing internet betting sector. All forms of gambling are regulated and supervised by national and regional entities.
Why Play at Spain-Licensed Online Casinos?
There are many reasons why as a player you should consider an online casino with a Spain gaming license.
A DGOJ licence is a noteworthy sign that your chosen online gambling operator has tight safety and security measures in place, including the latest encryption technology as well as data-processing measures. Moreover, all online casinos must comply with various Spanish gambling laws and regulations that ensure that all games offered are fair.
Spain-licensed online casino sites are also widely popular amongst players thanks to their range of gaming options, which include online slots, RNG table games and live casino games. Players can take advantage of generous casino bonuses and promotions, both as new players and as existing ones.
Finally, online gambling sites with a Spanish gaming licence are mobile-friendly allowing you to enjoy gaming on the go, whenever and wherever you are.
Player Protection in Spain-Licensed Casinos
Like all licensed online casino sites, Spain-licensed gambling sites are required to comply with Spanish gambling laws and regulations as stipulated by the DGOJ. The DGOJ, therefore, ensures that all licensed operators provide the right player protection measures.
These measures include SSL encryption, which ensures that any data transmitted between the player and the casino’s servers is protected and encrypted. All games and their random number generators must routinely be checked to ensure that they are safe and fair. Furthermore, should players have disputes with such casinos and they are unable to solve their issues with the casinos directly, they can lodge a complaint with the DGOJ. The DGOJ will then act as a mediator and impose sanctions if it finds the casino to be at fault.
Spanish-licensed online casino sites must also provide players with the right responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, reality checks, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion.
How to Check a Casino for the DGOJ Licence
As a player, ensuring that your chosen online casino has a valid DGOJ licence will ensure that you have a fair and safe online gambling experience. Here are all the necessary steps how ensure your casino is licensed:
Check for the regulator logo: Scroll all the way down to the footer and look for a DGOJ logo.
Verify the logo: The logo should be clickable and should open the website of the DGOJ.
Cross-check: Input the licence number details listed on your chosen casino and look it up in the DGOJ’s database.
How to Choose the Best DGOJ Licensed Casino
Choosing a casino that is licensed and regulated by the DFOJ needs some research. Follow our list of steps to make an informed decision and pick the best one:
1
Select a casino
Browse through the list of online casino sites with a DGOJ licence above and pick one.
2
Read the terms
Carefully read the terms and conditions to know your rights as a customer.
3
Register and deposit
If all checks out, you can proceed to register for an account and make a deposit.
4
Claim bonus
If a casino offers a welcome bonus, make sure you claim it and get some extra bonus funds or spins.
5
Start playing
It’s done! Now you can start playing your favourite casino games.
Casino Rules and Regulations by the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling
The DGOJ checks that all licensed casino operators comply with the various gambling laws and regulations.
These regulations cover a wide range of topics, including player protection, anti-money laundering, responsible gambling and technical requirements for online casino sites. For example, Spanish-licensed gambling sites are legally required to use SSL encryption technology and have their random number generators checked regularly.
Failure to comply with the rules and regulations can result in sanctions imposed. Sanctions can include fines and even licence revocation.
Gambling Licence Types Offered by the DGOJ
In order to offer online gambling services in Spain, you must apply for one of several gambling licences in Spain. These include:
General gambling licences: These casino licences are provided to operators who want to offer a wide range of gambling services in Spain, including online gambling. There are three main types of general gambling licences, namely one for betting, one for contests and another one for games such as slots, baccarat, blackjack, poker and roulette.
Specific licences: These licences are issued to operators who wish to offer specific types of gambling services, such as fixed-odds betting, pool betting, and exchange betting.
Occasional gambling authorisations: These authorisations are issued to gambling operators who wish to offer the occasional gambling service in Spain, such as tombolas and charity raffles.
What Are the Licensing Requirements?
In Spain, companies must obtain government licences to offer either online or land-based services. Currently, licences are needed to distribute casino games, sports betting, horse racing betting, exchange betting, bingo, and complimentary games.
To apply for a licence, operators must meet certain requirements and prove their experience and resources to run a successful business. Online gambling operators must use a designated Spanish internet domain.
Limited liability companies must have their corporate headquarters in a member state of the European Economic Area
To apply for a general licence, you must have at least €100,000 share capital or €60,000 if you want a licence for contests.
One should file with the Spanish Commercial Registry.
Registration in the General Register of Gambling Licences’ special applicants’ area is also required.
The National Gambling Commission can grant single licences for 1 to 5 years, general licences for 10 years, and permits for occasional gaming activities. Unlicensed foreign companies are blocked, and Spanish players must be banned. Failure to comply can result in penalties and fines of up to €50 million.
How to Get a Gaming License in Spain
There are different requirements and procedures based on the type of Spanish gaming licence you are after:
Regulatory framework: First you should familiarise yourself with the Spanish regulatory framework for online gambling.
Legal entity: You should also establish a legal entity in Spain or another EU or EEA country, whilst ensuring that your corporate structure aligns with the Spanish legal requirements.
Financial stability: You should be able to demonstrate financial stability and be able to meet the financial requirements, by providing financial statements, proof of funds and bank guarantees.
Business plan: Develop a detailed operational and business plan that includes the marketing strategy, the gaming products, player protection measures and more.
Technical requirements: Ensure that your gambling site, software and systems meet the technical requirements as stipulated by the DGOJ.
Application: Prepare and submit the application to the DGOJ, by attaching all required documentation, business plan, etc.
Background checks: The DGOJ will run all the necessary background checks and investigations.
Pay fees: You should pay the application fee depending on the type of licence you are after.
Licence: If you meet all requirements and demands, the DGOJ will issue a gaming licence.
Spain Gambling Licence Cost
The cost of acquiring a gambling licence in Spain depends on the type of licence and the specific requirements of the applicant. Here are the main details:
The fee for the registration in the Applicant’s Registry is €2,500 for the general licence application.
The general licence costs €10,000.
The fees related to the regulated gambling activity are €38,000.
FAQs
How to find the best DGOJ casino?
You don’t have to look too hard to find a DGOJ casino. Simply scroll all the way to the top to see the recommended list of Spanish-licensed online casino sites.
Are Spain-licensed online casinos safe?
Yes. As long as they have a valid gambling licence issued from the DGOJ, they are considered safe and secure.
How long does it take to obtain the DGOJ licence?
It can take up to 6 months from the day following the submission of the application.
Is crypto allowed with the Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling licence?
The Spanish Gambling Act makes no reference to cryptocurrencies. At the same time, the Spanish government does not allow crypto casinos to operate within the country of Spain.
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