Madrid Sees 60% Drop in Betting Shops Over Five Years

The Government of Madrid has announced a remarkable decline in the number of land-based betting shops within the city.

From a peak of 160 establishments in 2019, the current count stands at a mere 64 (-60%).

Madrid’s ranking in terms of gambling establishments per 100,000 residents now places it 14th out of 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities in Spain.

During the first four months of 2024, law enforcement agencies in the Spanish capital conducted over 15,000 inspections of gambling businesses. These rigorous checks aimed to detect violations and uncover any illegal activities related to betting operations.

Carlos Novillo, the Minister of Environment, Interior, and Agriculture of Madrid, stated: “[These] show a decreasing balance of sanctions, which shows that the sector is adapting to regulation and is respecting it. This trend suggests a greater compliance by operators with the regulations imposed, as well as a possible decrease in the accessibility of these premises for residents of the Community of Madrid.”