In the iGaming sector, game variety and availability are essential for market competitiveness, particularly in the case of online slots, known as “tragaperras” in Spain. The Online Gambling Quarterly Report Q4, published by MECN, highlights the stark differences between two of Europe’s leading regulated markets: Spain and Sweden. In Spain, the average number of available slots is 1,442, whereas in Sweden, it reaches 3,723. This significant gap stems from various regulatory and structural factors shaping the development of both markets.
Spain is known for its robust regulatory approach, led by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ),https://www.ordenacionjuego.es/, which enforces a strict licensing and control system. The primary objective of Spanish regulation is consumer protection, resulting in stringent oversight of the types of games allowed and the offerings available in the market.
The Spanish licensing system clearly differentiates between various types of games, from sports betting to online casino games. In addition to these controls, advertising and operational restrictions aim to limit promotional reach and ensure that offerings align with player interests while discouraging irresponsible gambling. For instance, Royal Decree 958/2020 imposes strict advertising regulations, restricting TV and radio ads to the 1:00–5:00 AM time slot and banning ads during live sports broadcasts. Consequently, the number of slots available in Spain is significantly lower compared to other countries, including Sweden.
Furthermore, Spain has taken a conservative stance on technological innovations in the sector, directly impacting the variety of slots operators can offer. Stricter rules also result in a longer approval process for new games, limiting the influx of fresh content into the market.
In contrast, Sweden has adopted a more liberal regulatory philosophy. While the transition from a state monopoly to a more open licensing system in 2019 was a key driver of this change, the operational flexibility granted to content providers has played a crucial role in the country’s expansive slots market.
Sweden’s licensing system, overseen by the Spelinspektionen, has fostered greater competition among operators and game developers, spurring innovation and diversity in the available products. Additionally, since July 2023, increased operational flexibility has enabled slot providers to tailor their offerings to a broader and more demanding audience.
Another crucial factor is the maturity of Sweden’s online casino market. Sweden has established itself as one of Europe’s most advanced and competitive iGaming markets, with Svenska Spel launching its online poker platform as early as 2006.
Beyond regulatory disparities, structural factors also contribute to the variation in game offerings between the two markets. First, Sweden has a significantly larger operator base, comprising some of the most influential companies in the iGaming sector. These operators not only have a strong presence in the Swedish market but also wield considerable influence over strategic decisions related to game development and distribution.
Conversely, while Spain has key players in the online gaming market, centralised regulatory control limits operators’ ability to offer a wide range of products. Spanish regulations impose strict licensing conditions, making it more challenging for new developers to enter the market, resulting in a less diverse offering compared to Sweden.
Each country’s regulatory approach has also played a pivotal role in shaping game availability. As noted earlier, Spain has maintained a more conservative stance, prioritising consumer protection and problem gambling prevention. Meanwhile, Sweden has embraced market openness, allowing for a broader selection of games while ensuring market integrity and player protection within its regulatory framework.
Looking ahead, the trend toward greater regulatory flexibility, as recently seen in Sweden, could inspire changes in other European markets, including Spain. However, consumer protection will likely remain the primary driver of Spanish regulations, which may continue to limit the expansion of the slots market.
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