Gambling is unquestionably a significant industry worldwide, and it holds a firm & prominent position within the realm of entertainment in Spain as well. A fresh study revealed that more than 80% of the adult population in Spain actively participates in recreational gambling, either on a regular or occasional basis.

Shedding light on Spain's robust gambling landscape, the 2023 edition of the Game & Society survey revealed that a staggering 83.9% of adult population (between the ages of 18 and 75) actively participated in recreational gambling over the past twelve months. The given percentage stands for 22.9 million individuals.

This annual research, which was jointly carried out by the Gaming Business Council and the Murcia Recreational Federation, underscores the fact that for the huge majority, gambling is considered a usual and integral part of their leisure activities. While participation in lottery is common, with 66% of the population taking part, a notable 17.9% of Spanish adults regularly visit casinos, gaming and bingo halls, sportsbooks, and other gambling-friendly venues, mainly for the sheer entertainment value.

The researchers also found that 61% of gamblers view losses as a fair expenditure for the enjoyment they derive from gambling, akin to spending money on movies or attending a live soccer game.

Obviously, gambling is not attracting everyone in Spain. According to the survey, 15-20% of the Spanish population refrains from gambling, and they are motivated by aversions rooted in their ideologies, religion, or the fear of experiencing rejection in case of losses. This group includes a substantial number of individuals under 25 years old.

A separate study on problem gambling in Spain yielded reassuring results. Diagnosed individuals seeking treatment for disorders related to gambling are fewer than 8,000. This figure stands for 0.02% of the population aged 18 to 75 years. This figure is well below the threshold used to classify a disease as rare, underscoring the European country’s overall healthy relationship with gambling. However, it remains crucial to implement responsible gambling initiatives & address potential underlying issues. A recent study of 116 patients from various Spanish clinics brought it to light that gambling disorder coexists with some other mental health conditions in a substantial 97.4% of cases.

When it comes to potential problematic gambling, Spain aligns with other Western European countries, with rates below 0.5%, similar to Germany (0.3%), Denmark (0.3%), and Great Britain (0.3%).