Obtaining an online casino license in Spain is one of the most complex regulatory processes in Europe, but also one of the most valuable. The Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has regulated the market since 2012 with Law 13/2011, creating a stable and highly credible environment for operators.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know to start the process in 2026: license types, legal requirements, real costs, realistic timelines, and the most common mistakes that unnecessarily delay the process.
Available DGOJ license types
The DGOJ issues licenses by game type. Each modality requires a separate license and meeting specific technical requirements:
| License type | Minimum capital | Application fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online casino (roulette, blackjack) | €1,000,000 | ~€150,000 | 10 years |
| Slots / Gaming machines | €1,000,000 | ~€100,000 | 10 years |
| Sports betting | €60,000 | ~€60,000 | 10 years |
| Online poker | €1,000,000 | ~€100,000 | 10 years |
| Online bingo | €60,000 | ~€60,000 | 10 years |
Main requirements for the DGOJ license
Before submitting the application, the operator must meet these structural requirements:
- Spanish legal entity: Public Limited Company (SA) or Limited Liability Company (SRL) incorporated in Spain, or with a permanent establishment if headquartered in another EEA country.
- Paid-up share capital: The minimum capital varies by license type (see table above) and must be fully paid up and certified.
- Guarantee account: Deposit in a Spanish financial institution of between €60,000 and €300,000 as a guarantee to players.
- Certified technical system: The gaming platform must be audited and certified by a laboratory approved by the DGOJ (BMM, Gaming Labs, eCOGRA, etc.).
- Approved AML/KYC policy: Anti-money laundering prevention manual internally approved and adapted to SEPBLAC requirements.
- Responsible gaming program: Self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, access to the General Register of Gaming Access Bans (RGIAJ).
- Shareholder solvency: Due diligence of all shareholders with a stake greater than 5% (UBOs). Criminal records, financial situation, and source of funds.
💡 The most costly mistake: Submitting the application with incomplete technical certification. The DGOJ can suspend the process until the system is 100% certified, which can mean an additional 3-6 months of delay.
The step-by-step process
Phase 1 — Preparation (3-6 months)
Incorporation of the Spanish company, opening a bank account, disbursing capital, setting up a guarantee account, selecting and hiring a certification laboratory, preparing corporate and legal documentation.
Phase 2 — Technical certification (2-4 months)
The approved laboratory audits the platform: RNG (random number generator), return to player (RTP) percentages, IT security, integration with DGOJ systems (RGIAJ, General Register of Gaming Activities) and responsible gaming functionalities.
Phase 3 — Application submission (1 month)
Electronic submission to the DGOJ of all documentation: formal application, corporate documentation, business plan, compliance policies, technical certificate, financial guarantees, and proof of shareholder solvency.
Phase 4 — File instruction (4-8 months)
The DGOJ analyzes the application, may issue additional documentation requirements (each requirement partially restarts the deadlines), and conducts technical inspections. This is the most variable and uncertain period of the process.
Phase 5 — Resolution and granting
Favorable resolution from the DGOJ, publication in the BOE (Official State Gazette), payment of granting fees, and start of operations with an active license.
Real total costs of the process
| Concept | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| DGOJ fees (application + granting) | €100,000 – €250,000 |
| Minimum share capital (casino) | €1,000,000 |
| Guarantee account | €60,000 – €300,000 |
| Laboratory technical certification | €30,000 – €80,000 |
| Legal advice and consulting | €40,000 – €100,000 |
| Company incorporation and notary | €3,000 – €8,000 |
| Estimated total (excluding capital) | €230,000 – €740,000 |
The 5 most common mistakes that delay the process
- Incomplete technical certification: The system must be 100% certified before submitting the application. Many operators apply without having all modules certified.
- Insufficient shareholder documentation: The DGOJ requires exhaustive documentation of all ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs). Complex corporate structures lengthen the process.
- Generic business plan: The DGOJ requires a detailed plan with real financial projections. Generic plans usually trigger additional requirements.
- Improperly configured guarantee account: It must be in a Spanish bank and with the specific conditions required by the DGOJ. Incorrect configurations force it to be redone.
- Not having specialized advice: Procedures before the DGOJ have strict deadlines and formats. A formal error can invalidate the entire application.
Do you want to start the DGOJ licensing process?
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