On the occasion of the 37th edition of the 2019 Feria Internacional del Juego (international gaming and gambling trade show) in Madrid, which was held this week at IFEMA, the Acierto.com insurance comparator firm took the opportunity to analyze the current status of the Spanish gaming market.
The gaming business last year moved almost 700 million euros (about USD 788,984,000 at current exchange rate), 26% more than in the previous year, and rocketed the number of active players by 5.2% to almost reach 1,500,000 people. Just the online gaming moved more than 200 million euros (USD 225,424,000) per year and, in just six years, experienced a growth of around 380%. In addition, sportsbooks and gaming salons did not stop proliferating.
Furthermore, the sector generates around 80,000 direct jobs, and also indirect (over 200,000) in hotels, tourism and services in general. The investment in advertising and marketing of these companies also increased. Only last year, this spending topped 300 million euros (USD 338,136,000), mainly in affiliate shares, sponsorship, promotions and advertising.
The business has been able to adapt and take advantage of the technological needs of the moment. According to the report, it is becoming easier to access through apps and websites designed to be used from the smartphone, and the variety of games gets larger. However, the top ranking of favorite modalities finds bets, followed by bingo, casino, competitions and poker.
Additionally, according to the data researched by Acierto.com, the average player profile is that of a man between 26 and 35 years of average income. More specifically 8 out of 10 players are male. Women invest half as much as men do. In any case, this average player is getting younger, starting gambling sooner, and most fans do not reach the age of 50 years.