Online poker in Spain is experiencing a significant downturn. While the online gambling sector grew by 14.4% year-over-year in 2024, poker recorded a 23.5% decline in revenue, according to the latest data from the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).
The figures are telling: in Q3 2024, online poker revenues totaled €20.5 million, accounting for just 5.9% of the total online gaming market.
The decline in poker in Spain is not a coincidence but rather a reflection of changing player preferences:
🔹 Less Interest in Tournaments: Online poker tournaments, once the industry’s backbone, saw a 27.02% drop in revenue compared to 2023. Many players may be deterred by the time commitment and increasing complexity of these events.
🔹 The Rise of Other Games: While poker struggles, online slots saw a 25.8% revenue increase, and blackjack surged by 49.4%. Even bingo had a slight uptick of 0.7%.
🔹 The Boom of Sports Betting: Live betting offers instant action and has lured many former poker players.
To reverse this trend, operators need to innovate. Possible solutions include:
Online poker in Spain is at a crossroads. If it doesn't adapt, it risks fading into the background of the online gambling industry.
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