This boom is especially witnessed along the most popular neighborhoods of the city. While 47 stores could be found in 2013, 190 bookmarkers are currently welcoming customers in Madrid.
Madrid authorities have announced that laws limiting the opening of new venues will not be passed for the moment, as the focus is placed on improving underage access restrictions.
Locals, however, complain about the increasing number of gambling venues. Local associations explain that this occurs especially in the poorest areas of the capital warning that bookmakers are luring unemployed young people in "a very clear relationship between schools and gambling venues".
Many establishments are being facewashed, promoting themselves as food stores but attracting younger audiences into betting.