How to Bet on Sports in Spain
Your complete step-by-step guide to legally betting on sports in Spain as a foreigner. From NIE requirements to placing your first bet.
Yes, foreigners can legally bet on sports in Spain — but there are specific requirements you need to meet first. Unlike some countries where you can simply download an app and start betting, Spain has a regulated market that requires proper documentation and identity verification.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from the documents you'll need (hint: your NIE or TIE is essential), to choosing a licensed operator, making your first deposit, and understanding your tax obligations. Whether you're an expat living in Spain, a digital nomad, or planning a longer stay, this guide has you covered.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Required
- NIE or TIE
Your Spanish foreigner identification number. This is non-negotiable for online registration.
- Be 18+ years old
The legal gambling age in Spain, strictly enforced through ID verification.
- Valid email & phone
Spanish phone number recommended but not always required.
Highly Recommended
- Spanish bank account
Required for Bizum payments. Makes deposits/withdrawals much easier.
- Proof of address
Some operators may request this. A utility bill or bank statement works.
- Bizum-enabled bank app
The most popular payment method. Instant deposits, no fees.
NIE vs TIE: What's the difference?
NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is just the identification number itself. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card that contains your NIE. For betting registration, you'll need the document (card or certificate) that shows your NIE number.
Read our NIE/TIE verification guideStep-by-Step: How to Start Betting in Spain
Choose a DGOJ Licensed Operator
The first and most important step is selecting a betting site that's legally licensed in Spain. The DGOJ (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego) is Spain's gambling regulator, and only sites with their license can legally operate.
How to verify a site is licensed:
- • Website uses a .es domain (e.g., bet365.es, not bet365.com)
- • Displays the "Juego Seguro" seal in the footer
- • Shows license number from DGOJ
- • Listed on the official DGOJ operator list
For foreigners, we recommend choosing an operator with English language support. This makes registration, customer service, and navigating the site much easier.
See our recommended operators with English supportRegister Your Account
Once you've chosen an operator, click the registration or "Sign Up" button. You'll need to provide the following information:
Personal Details
- • Full name (as on your NIE/TIE)
- • Date of birth
- • NIE/TIE number
- • Nationality
- • Address in Spain
Account Details
- • Email address
- • Phone number
- • Username
- • Password
- • Security questions
Tip: Use the exact name format that appears on your NIE/TIE document. Mismatches can cause verification delays.
Verify Your Identity
Spanish gambling law requires all users to verify their identity before betting. This is a legal requirement to prevent underage gambling and money laundering.
Documents you'll need to upload:
- • NIE/TIE card — Front and back photos
- • Selfie — Some operators require a photo of you holding your ID
- • Proof of address — Sometimes required (utility bill, bank statement)
Verification time: Usually 24-72 hours, though some operators offer same-day verification.
Important: You cannot place bets or withdraw money until your account is verified. Some operators allow deposits before verification, but we recommend waiting until you're fully verified.
Make Your First Deposit
Once verified, you can deposit funds into your betting account. Spain offers several payment methods, with Bizum being the most popular.
| Method | Speed | Fees | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bizum | Instant | Free | €5-10 |
| Debit Card | Instant | Free | €5-10 |
| Bank Transfer | 1-3 days | Varies | €10-20 |
| PayPal | Instant | Free | €10 |
Note: Credit cards are banned for gambling deposits in Spain (Royal Decree 958/2020). Only debit cards are accepted.
Learn how to deposit with BizumPlace Your First Bet
You're all set! Navigate to your chosen sport, select a match or event, choose your market (match winner, over/under, etc.), enter your stake, and confirm your bet.
Tips for your first bet:
- • Start with a small stake to get familiar with the platform
- • Stick to sports and leagues you know
- • Check for any welcome bonus terms before placing your bet
- • Set a budget and stick to it — never bet more than you can afford to lose
Best Betting Sites for Foreigners in Spain
Not all Spanish betting sites offer English support. Here are our top picks for expats and foreigners, all fully licensed by the DGOJ:
Bet365
Best OverallFull English site & app, 24/7 support, live streaming, Bizum accepted.
Read review →Betway
Great for MobileEnglish support, excellent mobile app, good for football & esports.
Read review →William Hill
Trusted BrandFull English support, great for horse racing, established reputation.
Read review →Taxes on Betting Winnings in Spain
Unlike some countries, Spain taxes gambling winnings. This applies to everyone, including foreigners and expats who are tax residents in Spain.
Key points:
- • What's taxed: Net winnings (total winnings minus total stakes)
- • When to declare: In your annual IRPF tax return (April-June)
- • Tax rates: 19% to 28% depending on the amount
- • Losses: Cannot be deducted from other income
Keep detailed records of all your bets. Most operators provide annual summaries, but it's good practice to track everything yourself.
Read our complete tax guideCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Using unlicensed offshore sites
Sites without DGOJ license are illegal in Spain. You have no consumer protection, and winnings may be confiscated.
Using a VPN to access UK sites
This violates both Spanish law and the operator's terms. Your account can be closed and funds seized.
Not completing verification
Delaying verification can cause problems when you want to withdraw winnings. Complete it immediately after registering.
Ignoring bonus terms
Welcome bonuses often have wagering requirements. Read the terms carefully before accepting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about legal sports betting in Spain for English speakers.
Generally no. To register at a DGOJ-licensed betting site, you need a Spanish NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) or TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). Short-term tourists without Spanish documentation cannot legally register. However, some physical betting shops may accept bets with a passport, though this varies by location.
It's not strictly required, but highly recommended. Bizum, the most popular payment method at Spanish betting sites, requires a Spanish bank account. You can use international debit cards, but you may face limitations. Having a Spanish bank account makes deposits and withdrawals much smoother.
No. UK-licensed betting sites (bet365.co.uk, William Hill UK, etc.) are blocked in Spain due to licensing regulations. If you try to access them, you'll be redirected to the Spanish version (.es) or blocked entirely. You must register for a new account with the Spanish-licensed operator.
Verification typically takes 24-72 hours, though some operators offer faster verification. You'll need to upload photos of your NIE/TIE (front and back) and sometimes a selfie or proof of address. Until verification is complete, you cannot place bets or withdraw funds.
Yes. Net gambling winnings (total winnings minus total stakes) must be declared in your annual IRPF tax return. Tax rates range from 19% to 28% depending on the amount. Losses cannot be deducted from other income. We recommend keeping detailed records of all your bets.
You must be at least 18 years old to bet in Spain, both online and in physical betting shops. This is strictly enforced through identity verification during registration. Attempting to register as underage is illegal and can result in account closure.
Several DGOJ-licensed operators offer full English support, including Bet365, Betway, William Hill, Bwin, 888sport, and Paf. These sites have English-language interfaces, customer support, and apps, making them ideal for expats and foreigners.
Using a VPN to access unlicensed betting sites is illegal in Spain and violates the terms of service of most operators. If caught, your account may be closed and winnings confiscated. There's also no consumer protection if something goes wrong. We strongly recommend using only DGOJ-licensed sites.
Ready to Start Betting?
Now you know exactly how to bet on sports legally in Spain. Remember: choose a licensed operator, complete your verification, and always bet responsibly. If you need help choosing an operator, check out our detailed reviews.
Written by Fran Exposito Alentorn
Sports betting specialist and founder of Legal Sports Betting Spain. Helping expats navigate the Spanish gambling market since 2024.
Last updated: January 2026
