-
Casinos for you
How Spain Grew Online Casino Gambling Safely in 2020
By Shane Addinall Oct 19, 2020 IndustryThe Spanish Gaming Authority’s report on Q2 2020 gambling stats shows a stable market that allows for player migration while maintaining the country’s small 0.3% problem gambling ratio.We recently reported on the phenomenal results that the Spanish Gaming Authority has achieved in terms of the country’s minuscule problem gambling statistics.
What makes their 0.3% rating even more impressive is that Spaniards love to gamble both online and offline. The propensity for the players to enjoy lottery-type games and a mature entertainment-first mentality towards the activity was lauded as the key to the low problem gaming number.
The Gambling Landscape in Q2 2020
The Dirección General del Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) reviewed the impact of the pandemic on the gambling habits of the population from April to June 2020 and released the results earlier this week.
Overall, the gambling sector did see a quarter on quarter decline of -4.18%, however, this gross gaming revenue figure of nearly €209 million is still 17.7% higher than the same time last year.
When positioned against the financial realities faced across the board during 2020 and the fact that sports are a major contributor to the marker it is noteworthy that the industry saw such a minor overall decline.
Show Me The Money
Historically sports betting was a major part of Spain’s gambling market, but we know that sporting events came to a virtual standstill, so where has the uplift come from?
As a percentage of the overall market the 2nd quarter saw online casino gambling explode into the lead surpassing betting:
- Casino = 44.79% market share
- Betting = 32.63% market share
- Poker = 18.29% market share
- Bingo = 2.42% market share
- Contests = 1.88% market share
Looking at the percentile increase and real money value of each gambling sector during Q2 it is easy to see why the Spanish gambling sector so such a minor drop in overall revenue:
- Casino: Increased by 22.55% with a GGR contribution of €93.54 million
- Betting: Decreased by -38.38% with a GGR contribution of €68.15 million
- Poker: Increased by 57.84% with a GGR contribution of €38.2 million
- Bingo: Increased by 36.96% with a GGR contribution of €5.05 million
- Contests: Increased by 108.84% with a GGR contribution of €3.92 million
Prior to 2020 Online Slots were not a super popular game type in Spain, compared to lottery and draw-type games, however, with the necessity of gaming from home it has become one the biggest segments with a growth of 19.88%.
Less surprising was the growth in live dealer games (+28.92%) and online poker. Both of these appeal to players who enjoy social interaction and believe in their skill to influence the outcome of the wager, a mindset which perfectly dovetails with that of a sports bettor.
Natural Migration Ensures Safe Players
In order to protect the Spanish people from potential harms the Royal Decree 463/2020, of March 14th declared a State of Alarm. This declaration had a major influence on the type, messaging and frequency of gambling-related advertising which saw the market spend for this niche drop by -65.65%.
It is safe to assume therefore that the player migration to other gambling segments was organic and not driven by ‘too good to be true’ bonus offers or the desire to address their financial circumstances through gambling.
When all is said and done it is Spanish players mature view of gambling, where it is seen as entertainment and not a safety net or an income stream that has allowed the market to remain stable during tumultuous times while still promoting responsible gambling.
You might also like