The Canary Islands remain one of the top destinations for UK holidaymakers, as they get to enjoy time on the beach or take part in some other form of entertainment.
According to recent data, 42% of British visitors like to play online casinos, which have become a new trend, pumping millions of euros into the local economy.
Many players visit casinos not on GamStop because of UK gambling restrictions or Spain’s DGOJ regulations. Regardless, this is the new reality of mass tourism, and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon.
The Canary Islands remain one of the top tourism locations in Europe. In the first quarter of 2025, the archipelago welcomed 4.4 million visitors, with UK tourists making up 31% of the total. This has resulted in €2.1 billion in spending income.
While much of that goes toward leisure and entertainment, discussions around a Canary Islands tourist tax suggest that a portion could soon contribute directly to local infrastructure and services. However, not all of this spending is going on sangria and sunbeds; a good portion is now going to online gambling.
Here are a few reasons why:
Since gambling in the Canary Islands operates under Spanish laws, here are a few things you should know:
Gambling is allowed in the Canary Islands, and it falls under the DGOJ regulation. All licensed online operators must follow strict standards, including age verification; however, concerns about underage gambling risks continue to grow, especially in regions with high tourist traffic. It’s also important to know that the Canaries currently don’t have specific local rules against gambling like other tourist hotspots.
Given Spain's high rate of smartphone ownership, online casinos in the Canary Islands focus on mobile-responsive designs. Some sites even have applications you can download on your smartphone.
Many casinos in the Canary Islands took note of the attraction they get from tourists. Therefore, they provide various international payment methods (e-wallets, major credit cards) for transactions. Recently, many of them have begun to accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Coin, Litecoin, and Tether.
Similar flexibility can be found in casino online non AAMS, where international players often enjoy a wide range of payment options, including crypto solutions and less restrictive financial systems.
UK tourists in the Canaries aren't limited to the offerings of UKGC-licensed sites. Since there are no restrictions, they get to enjoy a better gambling experience:
Gambling sites in the Canaries generally offer thousands of slots, table games, and live dealer experiences. These are titles from leading providers (NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming), some of which are not available in the UK. Examples of these developers include Nolimit City, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming.
There is good competition among Spanish casinos, which pushes them to offer attractive bonuses. You can get an offer like a “300% deposit match up to €3,000 + 250 free spins”. This is a big draw for tourists looking for a good time.
Many gambling sites in the Canary Islands often highlight games with high return-to-player percentages. You get to play various high-RTP titles, including Mega Joker (99%) and Blood Suckers (98%).
Who says tourists can’t experience real casino gambling from the beach or in a park? Many sites offer live dealer games, streamed in HD quality. You get to play against real players and croupiers.
Here is a table that shows the comparison:
|
Features |
UK-Licensed Casinos |
Gambling Sites in the Canary Islands |
|
Regulation |
Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) |
|
|
Restricted by GamStop |
Yes |
No |
|
Game Variety |
Restricted by UKGC Rules |
Wide Game Selection |
|
Welcome Bonus |
Generally Smaller/Restricted |
Generous Offers (e.g., 200%-500% Deposit Matches) |
|
Deposit/Withdrawal Methods |
UK-focused Methods |
E-wallets, Cards, Crypto, and More |
|
Key Draw for Tourists |
N/A |
Better Game Library, Higher Transaction Limits, and Attractive Promotions |
To the surprise of many, the increase in UK tourists using gambling sites is not an anomaly. This is a result of the Spanish strategic positioning of mass tourism from the UK. The income from tourism allows the country to improve its resources and networks. Therefore, everything is available at the drop of a hat.
Spanish national law provides basic levels of gambling security, while local rules are not overly harsh, allowing more free-ranging activities.
Gamble Responsibly: Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money. Always gamble within your financial means and set limits to stay in control. You must be 18 or older to participate in gambling activities. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help from organisations like FEJAR (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados) at www.fejar.org. Stay safe and gamble responsibly.
