Spain is on the straight-and-narrow in becoming one of the next regulated powerhouse gambling markets in both the casino and sports gambling industries.  Thanks to an agreement of understanding between the established Spanish gambling group, Codere, and the well-known European betting operator, William Hill, it is clear that rumors suggesting Spain will soon be offering gambling regulation and sports betting licenses to private online and land-based operators is decidedly true.

As of this very moment, the gambling market is unregulated in Spain.  However, due to a very large demand from Spanish citizens and online casino operators seeking gaming licenses to operate within Spain, several Spanish regions have already begun writing up gambling regulation legislation that would legalize certain forms of gambling, which as of yet, looks to be an inclusion of all forms of traditional land-based betting and online casino gambling.  Considering that Spain is one of the largest gambling markets in Europe, the decision to opt for regulation is being regarded as a wise one by casino gambling industry insiders and government officials.

Codere alone earned over 550 Euro in 2005 from gambling activities revenue, most of which was generated from slot machines, bingo, betting shops, casinos and race tracks.  Codere specializes in these traditional land-based forms of gambling in the Spanish market, thus establishing itself as a leader in the Spanish private gaming sector. William Hill, on the other hand, does more of their business in the sports betting industry, which until now, has not been licensed nor brought under gambling regulations in Spain (although Spanish bettors contributed to large portion of the sports betting industry).

The combinative powers of Codere and Will Hill in Spain will surely create a thriving sports betting industry that will likewise give an economic boost to publicly operated programs and facilities.  Following the lead of England, where the UK Gambling Bill is poised to go into effect and set the precedent of online casino and sportsbook regulation, Spain is on its way of becoming a top player in the world of regulated gambling.