Spain Poker Regulations – Complete Guide 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer: Online gambling regulations change frequently. This page reflects information current as of early 2026. Always verify with the official regulatory body before playing.
🇪🇸 Poker Regulations in Spain
Spain regulated online poker in 2011 under the DGOJ. Initially a ring-fenced market, Spain joined the Southern European shared liquidity agreement in 2018, pooling players with France, Portugal, and Italy. This dramatically improved tournament guarantees and cash game traffic. PokerStars.es and 888poker.es are the leading licensed operators, alongside several smaller Spanish platforms.
📋 Regulatory Overview
| Status | ✅ Regulated & Licensed |
| Regulatory Authority | DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego) |
| Year Regulated | 2011 |
| Key Legislation | Spanish Gambling Act (Ley 13/2011) |
🔑 Key Regulations for Online Poker
DGOJ licenses are mandatory. Spain imposes advertising restrictions, especially since the Royal Decree 958/2020 which banned gambling advertising during daytime hours and restricted sponsorships. Tax on gross gaming revenue applies to operators. Players face a progressive tax on net winnings. Shared liquidity with France, Italy, and Portugal allows cross-border player pools for tournaments and cash games. Strict KYC and identity verification required.
🏢 Live Poker in Spain
Spain’s live poker scene centers on Casino Barcelona, which hosts major European events including EPT Barcelona — consistently one of the biggest live tournament festivals in Europe. Madrid’s Casino Gran Vía and casinos in Málaga and Valencia also offer regular poker. The Spanish Poker Championship is a key domestic event.
💡 What Players Should Know
Spanish players pay taxes on net gambling winnings above €1,600 per year at progressive rates. Only DGOJ-licensed platforms are legal. The shared liquidity pool means Spanish players compete in larger Southern European tournaments. Self-exclusion is available through the RGIAJ national registry. Players must be 18+ and complete identity verification.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is online poker legal in Spain?
Yes, online poker is fully regulated by the DGOJ (Direccion General de Ordenacion del Juego). Licensed operators can offer poker to Spanish residents.
Does Spain share player pools with other EU countries?
Yes, Spain is part of the EU shared liquidity agreement since 2018, allowing cross-border player pools with France, Italy, and Portugal.