Regarding adolescents at-risk gambling, a recent European review 21 shows the highest prevalence rates in Spain, possibly due to recent online gambling legalization and high accessibility to gambling halls. Thus, in Spain, the proportion of nonproblematic gamblers who began gambling before the age. The so-called Gambling Act – Act No. 13/2011 from May 26th, 2011 is the major legislative reference to the gambling market in Spain. This Act is considered as the key one for the market and sets the general rules for the activities related to gambling at a national level in the country.
Spain’s betting landscape changed forever in 2011 following the introduction of the Spanish Gambling Act to legislate a market that some analysts estimate is bigger than that of the home of online sports betting, the United Kingdom.
- “Especially in a market in which online gambling is a legal activity and already highly regulated and where the incidence rate of problem gambling has remained stable at 0.3% of the population between 15 and 65 years of age since 2015, being one of the lowest in Europe.”.
- Spain Gambling Age, broadway casino birmingham opening times, jak dobrze grac w poker texas holdem, kennedys appliances casino.
Gambling has been legal in Spain for more than 30 years but, until the Spanish Gambling Act came along, the country’s 17 autonomous communities – Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands, the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castile, ÄìLa Mancha, Castile and Leon, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Bavarre and Valencian – oversaw betting of all shapes and forms.
Officially Regulated
The main purpose of the Spanish Gambling Act is to harmonize the regulation of online betting in Spain, an activity that clearly transcends regional boundaries and requires national coordination. However, the Act still empowers the autonomous communities to continue determining the majority of gambling regulations and policies within their respective regions.
The Spanish Gambling Act regulates, in particular, national gaming operations through electronic, interactive and technological means, which include the Internet, television, mobile phones, land lines and any other interactive communication system where physical means have an ancillary role. Also, the Act regulates the provision of games by the incumbent lottery operators LAE and ONCE, regardless of the channel through which organizations offer those games.
Advertising, promotion and sponsorship concerning betting activities are included in the scope of the Spanish Gambling Act as well. In particular, the Act prohibits advertising, sponsorship or endorsement of gambling activities as well as advertising or promotion of gambling operators who do not hold the appropriate licenses. Bet365.com holds such license, and is an online gambling site we trust and recommend. The Act also states that advertising, sponsorship and promotion activities carried out by media operators regarding gambling activities or gambling operators are subject to an authorization process.
Sports Betting in Spain
The Spanish Gambling Act regulates sports pool betting, fixed-odds sports betting, sports betting exchanges, horse-race pool betting, fixed-odds horse racing betting, other forms of pool betting, other forms of fixed-odds betting, other forms of exchange betting, raffles, Competitions, other games and random combination games. The Act does not include either live in-play betting or bingo games so they are, in principle, not allowed. However, live in-play betting and bingo are permitted and operated legally in some autonomous communities, one of which is Madrid. The lack of definition of bingo games is likely to benefit LAE and ONCE provided that they can successfully argue that bingo falls within the scope of their lottery license.
All Domains Under .es
As a result of the Spanish Gambling Act, operators providing betting services to citizens of Spain must obtain a license from the country’s National Gambling Commission. Licenses are not transferable and their grant implies payment of taxes, including some back dated to before the Act came into existence. Furthermore, the Act requires licensed operators to conduct their business through a .es domain and to redirect all connections to their other domains made from locations in Spain or using Spanish user accounts.
The Spanish Gambling Act is proving successful at preventing unlawful operators from providing betting services to citizens of Spain, with upwards of 50 websites closing down voluntarily and legal proceedings under way against those websites that chose to ignore cease and desist orders.
Taxes on Internet Gambling
There are interesting developments in the area of gambling taxation, with a draft legislative package that would, if it became law, enable Spanish gamblers to deduct losses from their wins for tax purposes. Such a move would be terrific for professional punters, who are currently taxed on their gross winnings from which they are not entitled to deduct their losing stakes. It would provide them with a great reason to bet with an operator licensed in Spain.
With the transition period over, it’s now illegal for Spanish citizens to bet with operators who do not hold a Spanish license. There is no shortage of choices with many of the world’s biggest gambling organizations setting up .es domains to service the European country legally.
Conclusion
Expect authorities to continue to tinker with the Spanish Gambling Act, both to close up any loopholes that unlicensed operators look to exploit and to eradicate any grey areas. Currently, one would have to say that there is a lack of clarity regarding what the Act calls other games, which most analysts are taking to include online poker.
Spanish gamblers may love or hate their country’s Gambling Act but it does, to a large extent, set out what is legal and what is illegal, something that has not been crystal clear to most people for the best part of four decades.
Are you thinking about going on a vacation and visiting a casino while you’re there? Do you know how old you must be to enter a casino? Or to gamble there?
Well, you’re in luck because we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the legal age to gamble all over the world! There are different minimum ages and regulations for most countries. Remember, it’s essential to stay legal when traveling.
The United States
One of the biggest attractions of the United States is its world-famous casinos. People travel from far and wide to visit Las Vegas and its infamous casino strip.
There is no national age minimum to gamble in the United States. Instead, each state controls what the legal age to gamble is. The ages range from 18 to 21, but in most states they stick with 21 because they also sell alcohol in the casinos.
Even where the legal minimum is 21, they sometimes allow 18 -year-olds to buy scratch cards, lottery tickets, and bingo. Again, this varies from state to state, so check out the places you will be visiting.
Canada
The legal age to gamble in Canada is between 18 to 19 (source: https://online.casino/canada/), depending on the Province you visit. In British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, the minimum age is 19. In Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the age is 18.
Spain Gambling Agency
Both online and real casinos are legal in Canada; however, there are a lot of illegal online casinos to be wary about. Make sure the casinos you are playing at are licensed, to avoid legal troubles down the road.

China
In China, all forms of gambling are illegal, no matter what age you are. This includes online gaming, as well.
There are some exceptions, though. In Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, some forms of gambling are allowed. They have two national lotteries available, but only to play in person, not online.
There is the Welfare Lottery, which is regulated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Also, there is the Sports Lottery. The General Administration of Sports governs this lottery.
Even though it is illegal, the people of China are protesting to make gambling legal. We recommend that if you are visiting China, to stay away from any gambling because it is likely illegal, which can cause serious troubles for you if you are arrested as a foreigner.
The United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the minimum legal age to gamble depends on what type of gambling it is. For most gambling activities, like real casinos, online casinos, sports betting, and bingo, the legal age is 18.

However, it is possible to participate in some gambling at the age of 16 legally. You can purchase lottery tickets and bet on football pools, and other low stakes gambling.
We encourage you to take part in gambling in the United Kingdom if you are 18 or older because it is entirely legal. If you are between 16 to 18, we would recommend making sure that your gambling activities are permitted for your age group.
Gambling Age Spain
Netherlands
When in Europe, everyone wants to visit Amsterdam. ‘The Dam’ offers a unique traveler experience, including its casinos. The legal age for gambling in the Netherlands is 18 years old.
The Holland Casino Group owns all of the casinos, and the revenue goes to the Dutch Treasury. There is no online gambling in the Netherlands. If you are found participating in online gambling on foreign sites, there is a fine, but no further punishments.
Our recommendation is to only participate in land-based casinos in the Netherlands, and only once you are over the age of 18.
Brazil
Spain Gambling Laws
In Brazil, gambling is prohibited, so there is no legal minimum age. However, some places do offer illegal gambling, and in those places, the minimum age is 18 years old.
There is not the political power to shut down the casinos, and they are run unlawfully. This creates a high risk for players. We do not recommend you go to casinos while in Brazil because they are not subject to any formal regulations.
Australia
In Australia, the minimum age to gamble in both online and real casinos is 18. This goes for betting actual money and also for free play.
The Australian federal and state governments control gambling outlets offering real money games. We recommend that when you are in Australia, only go to legal and regulated casinos once you’re 18 or older.
Japan
Gambling in Japan is illegal in many cases. The country does permit betting on sports and horse racing. Placing money on these events in Japan is only for people who are 20 or older.
They do allow some gambling games, specifically pachinko. For this game, you only have to be 18 to play with real money. These places are heavily controlled and regulated with spending limits.
Spain Gambling Regulator
The Bottom Line
Around the world, there are different regulations based on the country you are in. Always make sure what you are doing in other countries is legal according to their local laws.
Gambling is a fun activity, especially when you are on vacation. In most countries, the minimum age to gamble is 18, but not everywhere. Make sure you follow the rules and always enjoy safe gambling.
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