Gaming in Spain recovers stability and reaches pre-Covid levels
Gaming activity in Spain has left behind the impact of the pandemic and the economic crisis and has once again shown consumption patterns similar to those recorded before 2020. This is highlighted in the Gaming and Society 2025 report, presented by the Business Council of Gaming (CEJUEGO), which confirms a sustained recovery of the sector and widespread participation among the adult population.
The study, prepared by sociologist José Antonio Gómez Yáñez, estimates that around 31 million people between 18 and 75 years old participated in some form of gambling during the past year, representing 85 percent of the adult population. This figure remains in line with historical levels observed since 2012, except for the temporary declines associated with the pandemic.
A transversal and socially integrated leisure activity
The data reflect that gambling continues to be a transversal leisure practice, present across different social strata and with lower incidence in households facing economic difficulties. Likewise, participation among young people aged 18 to 25 is lower than in other age groups, a fact that nuances the public debate about the impact of gambling on younger segments.
The report emphasizes that, in general terms, gambling is conceived as a recreational activity. Almost six out of ten players accept losses as the normal cost of entertainment, without expectations of obtaining economic gains.
Lotteries and scratch cards at the center of consumption
Public lotteries remain the cornerstone of the Spanish market. Practically all players participated in SELAE products during the year, while nearly 12 million took part in ONCE games. The Christmas Lottery once again stood out as the most popular product, with about 27 million participants and record sales exceeding EUR 3.5 billion.
Within ONCE’s portfolio, traditional coupons maintain their leadership, although the report highlights the strong growth of instant lotteries or scratch cards, whose participation increased by more than 80 percent in the last five years. This modality is especially attractive among those under 25, driven by its low cost and the immediacy of the prize.
Private gaming and online channel
In the realm of gaming managed by private operators—casinos, bingo halls, gaming salons, type B machines, and sports betting—6.6 million people participated in person. In the online channel, the figure was around two million annual players, with a monthly average close to 950,000 users.
Growth in online gaming was moderate and led by sports betting. However, the average weekly expenditure fell to EUR 13.6, reinforcing the idea of contained consumption compatible with responsible leisure.
Low level of problem gambling
One of the main findings of the report is the stability of problem gambling in Spain, which remains between 0.2 and 0.25 percent of the adult population, one of the lowest rates in Europe. Diagnosed gambling disorder affects barely 0.02 percent and, in most cases, is linked to other behavioral problems.
CEJUEGO attributes these indicators to a consolidated regulatory framework, consumer protection policies, and a sustained focus on responsible gambling, highlighting that it is a limited and specific phenomenon.
Economic weight and regulatory context
Beyond consumption habits, the private gaming sector maintains significant economic relevance, with nearly 50,000 direct jobs, an approximate fiscal contribution of EUR 1.857 billion, and an estimated impact of 0.42 percent of GDP.
The report’s presentation took place in a political and regulatory debate context, marked by the recent parliamentary blockage of new gaming law reforms and tension between the sector and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. In this context, the study seeks to provide objective data to frame the public discussion about the role of gaming in Spanish society.
Tags: Spain, betting volume 2025, CEJUEGO, Gaming and Society 2025 Spain