Casinos are more popular than ever, especially in countries like Spain.
This is due to the rise in online casinos, meaning more audiences have been introduced to casino games while also making it easier for existing fans to play at slots online like Virgin Games.
For those who live in, or visit, Majorca in Spain, there is lots to know about playing at casinos in Majorca—both land based and online. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to show you everything you need to know about visiting casinos in Majorca.
Online casinos in Spain — an overview
Unlike many other places around the world, it’s legal to play at online casinos in Spain and is regulated. This regulation comes in the form of the main law which is the Spanish Gambling Act — with regulations established by the Ministry of Finance as well as the General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling Activities.
Of course, non-regulated gaming is illegal under this act as well as unlicensed online casinos which are blocked from operating. All online casino operators who wish to offer their services to customers within the country are required to apply for a gambling license.
There is only one kind of online casino license in Spain. Valid for ten years, it allows those who hold it to conduct online casino activities. Those recognised are the following: baccarat, bingo, blackjack, slot machines, roulette.
There are more restrictions for online casinos if they want to appeal to the Spanish market, including only using the .es domain. All licensed online casinos are subject to tax to around 25% of all gross revenues.
There’s been a big effort by the Spanish government to prevent unlicensed online casinos from operating in Spain. Many of the sites who are unlicensed are blocked by ISPs, and they are not allowed to advertise within the country, including Majorca. Those who do, may face fines of up to 50 million Euros. There are quite a few online casinos that are licensed and operating, but be sure to check they are ones that have taken out a license and are regulated before you play.
Land-based casinos in Majorca
Land-based casinos have been legal in Majorca (and indeed, all of Spain) since 1977 when they were legalized as part of the gambling act. They are currently regulated by the Spanish Gambling Act of 2011.
There are approximately 60 casinos located across Spain which have become popular with locals and tourists. As the country receives around 85 million tourists annually, it’s quite a big market.
The casino in Majorca is aptly called Casino Mallorca. Open every day from 10:00am, it’s been in operation since 1978, but moved to a new location in 2011. This casino offers 93 slots as well as electronic roulette, video poker and electronic blackjack. There are approximately 15 tables onsite including Texas hold’em, blackjack and America roulette as well as a poker room with nine tables for tournaments. The casino regularly offers tournaments and cash games.
Located in the immediate vicinity of the shopping centre, the dress code is smart casual with sportswear and beach wear not allowed. All visitors should bring their photograph ID, like a passport, and be at least 18 years of age.
While you’re there, you can also visit the casino’s restaurant and cocktail bar, which is open daily with a nice range of dishes. There’s also a cafe in the slot machine room which offers coffee and small snacks. And of course, no visit is complete without some time spent at the Moon Cocktail bar, which has a huge range of cocktails including a special weekly offer at a great price.
Other forms of online gaming in Spain
There are other forms of online gaming available across Spain, including sports betting. The gaming act recognises a range of sport betting including fixed-odds and pari-mutuel betting as well as wagering on horse races.
The online lottery market was liberalised in 2011 by the Gaming Act, while regional lotteries can be organised by private companies. Spain also has a national lottery which many partake in.
Why play at online casinos while in Majorca?
One of the biggest reasons that both locals and tourists play at online casinos in Majorca is because of the convenience. No longer do you have to leave the comfort of home to play your favourite online casino games like online slots or poker. With online casinos being legalized and regulated across Spain, there’s a huge range of options for you to choose from without ever having to go anywhere.
This means that there’s loads of fantastic games on offer with new games being produced all the time for casinos to help stay ahead of the competition. New technologies mean many of these games are just as exciting as those that individuals play at land-based casinos. Graphics, animations, video and sound are being improved upon all the time by game developers, so there’s always a new and fantastic entertainment experience to be had.
