Spanish online market soars following slots launch, but poker dealt a 2-7 off-suit

Spain’s regulated online gambling market reported revenue rising nearly one-third in Q1 following last summer’s legalization of online slots play.

According to figures released this week by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), gross gaming revenue in the three months ending March 31 totaled €102.3m, up nearly 8% from Q4 2015 and up a whopping 32.1% from the same period last year.

Sports betting continued to dominate the market, capturing 50% of all online turnover and 57.3% of all revenue. Betting stakes were up 33% year-on-year to €1.33b while revenue improved 29% to €58.6m.

Pre-match betting accounted for 29% of online sports stakes while live in-play wagers claimed 71%. Betting revenue was more evenly split (pre-match 41%, live betting 59%). Exchange wagering, which was approved last summer along with slots, garnered stakes of €7.5m.