Like many countries in mainland Europe, Spain has some strict regulations in place when it comes to gambling. Online play was only recently allowed in 2023, and access to casinos and sportsbooks is restricted.
It’s a similar situation in the physical world: Brick-and-mortar casinos can only offer certain games, and specific rules regarding entry are in place.
Regulations are there to keep players safe, and despite all this, there is a thriving casino scene in the country. Let’s dive into the best ones!
Spain’s Appeal
It may not be Las Vegas, but there are many reasons why Spain is an attractive place for casino players to visit.
This is a great tourist location, with ideal weather all year round, and some of the world’s best beaches.
Inland Spain also has an appeal with stunning architecture and natural landscapes, but the coastal resorts remain the most popular.
There’s also an interest among Spain’s residents for online operators as confirmed by sites such as casinos.com, so it’s a perfect place to come and play.
There are top locations across the country, but the appeal of those beach resorts means there is a high density of busy casinos on Spain’s southern coast.
Casino & Sala Fortuna: Benalmadena
The Andalucia region is a top tourist destination, and it’s also a popular location for retiring ex-pats.
There is a big British community in towns such as Malaga, Benidorm and Torremolinos, and while they come here for the weather, they also like regular UK traditions. There are so many things to do in Torremolinos.
Casino play has a ready audience, and one of the most popular venues in the region is the Casino and Sala Fortuna in Benalmadena.
Like all the best locations, there is more than just casino play; the venue also provides luxury hotel accommodations, fine dining, and a top-class golf course.
The casino facilities here are among the best in Spain, with a large gaming floor offering blackjack, poker, roulette, and other card and table games.
Casino Marbella
Just along the road from Benalmadena is the Casino Marbella. Situated in a town famous for its nightlife, the venue promises more than just its gaming floors.
A fixture of the Costa Del Sol since 1978, it promises one of the biggest casinos in Spain.
There are fine restaurants and hotel accommodation here too and there’s also a betting hall where customers can stake on a range of sports.
The casino rooms offer an extensive selection of options, and preferred games include American roulette and Texas Hold’em poker.
Casino De Torrequebrada: Benalmadena
The Casino De Torrequebrada is competing for attention in Benalmadena.
Like its competitors in the region, it has a ready audience of tourists and expats, and it needs to work hard to stand out from the crowd.
This casino has two gaming rooms, one of which contains around eighty slot machines.
It offers a lively feel generally associated with slots, and this section can be more popular with tourists.
The other gaming room is more serious, with a choice of card and table games in place. French and American roulette are the preferred versions of this popular game, while poker, blackjack and baccarat are also available.
It’s one of the most popular things to do in Marbella.
The location also attracts extra visitors through its exceptional dining facilities set to an art deco backdrop.
The Casino De Torrequebrada is estimated to receive around 130,000 visitors a year, so clearly the owners are doing something right. The unique feel and atmosphere of the location makes it one of the busiest casinos in the country.
Casino Nueva Andalucia
Puerto Banus is a vibrant area of southern Spain, and it’s become a haven for thrill seekers across the world. It’s a high-net worth area too, with a high density of luxury yachts moored in the harbour.
Such a location wouldn’t be the same without a glamorous casino to match, and that’s where the Nueva Andalucia steps in.
The casino is situated in the west wing of the Hotel Andalucia Plaza and has accommodation on site. Like all the best venues, it also offers fine dining with modern Mediterranean cuisine on the menu.
The casino itself isn’t available 24 hours a day, but like most of Puerto Banus, it comes alive at night.
The slot machine area opens from 1pm, while roulette and other table games are accessible from 8pm through to 6am. There’s a huge choice, and Nueva Andalucia also has a private gaming room that can be booked in advance.
Casinos across Spain enjoy high volumes of visitors every year, but those on the southern coast have an advantage. The added attractions of beautiful beaches and reliable, warm weather, see millions of tourists flocking here each year.
Not all are here specifically for the casinos, but many like to take their place at the tables. It helps boost the national economy while providing players with some of the best casino venues in Europe.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!