In Spain, the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling Affairs has wrapped up another year of reporting quarterly on the evolution of online gaming in the country. The October, November, December period report indicates an increase in amounts gambled over the previous quarter over all games analyzed.

GGR for the quarter was € 125.66 million, up nearly 23% over the previous quarter and more than 32% over the same period in 2015.

Deposits were up 14.41% in the last three months of the year to € 323.52 million, an increase of 33.64% over the same period in 2015.

Year on year withdrawals were up 30% showing a quarterly increase of 9.41% on payouts of € 205.09 million, according to the Directorate’s report.

Registered user numbers were up as well, accounting for the increases overall. The advertising spend to attract those gamblers increased nearly 60% compared to July-September, but bonus and free play monies were down considerably. At the end of the year, there were about 600,000 registered active users.

During the fourth quarter wagering on all types of games increased, including poker which had seen more of a flat or downward trend since the first online gambling licenses were awarded in June 2012. “Contest” betting was up 42.52%, casino games 16.35%, Bingo 14.03%, “Bets” 10.74%, and poker 10.31%

Participation by Sector

Casino game action broke out with few surprises for the market with slots or gaming machines accounting for 46.67% and Blackjack 17.80%, however, Baccarat (punto banco) was down over 66% for the period.

The report (.pdf) consists of dry analysis with no summary conclusion, but a quick takeaway is that the Spanish regulated online gambling market continues to see significant and steady growth after a sluggish start and nearly stagnant 2013.

52 operators are currently licensed in Spain.