Spanish Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling has reported on the country’s income from online gambling for the period between July 1 and September 30. The regulatory body announced that there was an increase in the numbers as compared to those in 2013.
As it was reported, Spain generated total online gaming income of €62 million or $77.5 million during the third quarter of this financial year. This was 19% more than last year’s revenues. By comparison, €58.1 million ($72.6 million) were earned in the second quarter and €68.1 million ($85.1 million) in the first quarter.
According to Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling’s report, sportsbook turnover constituted 54% of the total revenue. A total of €33.7 million ($42.1 million) was generated, marking a 6% rise as opposed to the €31.8 million ($39.7 million) gained in the second quarter. In addition, the posted turnover was 35% more than that in 2013.
€17.2 million ($21.5 million) were earned from poker games. A 12% increase was marked as compared to the revenue generated between April 1 and June 30. It was also announced that major online poker operators PokerStars and 888poker kept on dominating the poker segment of the Spanish gaming market. Their incomes constituted 90% of the overall revenue posted.
It is also important to note that an increase in poker turnover was marked, despite income from cash games decreased by €800 000 from €10.1 million ($12.6 million) to €9.3 million ($11.6 million).
Turnover from cash games represented 54% of the total income from online poker.
Earlier this year, the launch of PokerStars Spin & Go tournaments, a new online platform for immediate winnings, has influenced actual poker tournaments in a negative manner. This new option quickly became popular among non-professional players. Fans of the true game, however, were quite displeased, for they believed that Spin & Go was baneful to their bank accounts. Spanish players even went out on protest on July 18, several days after the new platform was introduced.
Income from online casino activities kept on dropping. The total sum of €8.5 million was generated in the period between July 1 and September 30. This was 5% more than the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling announced this time last year.
Spanish authorities, however, expect that casino revenues will increase next year, as online slot machines are planned to be launched in the country.
Eduardo Morales Hermo, a prominent gaming consultant, stated that he was optimistic about the introduction of these innovations. According to him, revenues from slots might constitute 60-70% of the total sum generated from online casino games. What is more, they will certainly lead to improvement in the whole segment.
