Manchester-based operator Betfred has become the latest operator to enter into the Spanish market, after highlighting the country as a suitable addition to its ongoing expansion strategy.
The bookmaker, which currently operates over 1,600 retail shops in the UK, has been granted licences from the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ) to operate both an online sportsbook and casino across Spain.
Betfred Group Chief Operating Officer Mark Stebbings celebrated the opportunity to enter the new market. He commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for Betfred and the Spanish licence is part of our ongoing expansion strategy.
“There is clearly a real passion for sport, especially football in Spain and we share that passion here at Betfred. We believe we bring the necessary expertise but also heritage and trust to this expanding market.”
Upon entering the Spanish sportsbook and casino sectors, betting technology supplier OPTIMA will support the bookmaker by providing its player account management and sports betting system.
OPTIMA Commercial director Marta Nikolova added: “OPTIMA is extremely happy and proud to be the trusted technological partner of Betfred for their expansion in Spain. Our experience in this market and the long-term cooperation with Betfred is a guarantee of success for this new operation.”
The news comes as a number of operators are seeking to enter the market following the Spanish Government announcing new tax cuts for gambling operators.
The Government confirmed that it would be cutting the online gambling tax rate from 25 per cent to 20 per cent while Ceuta – the new location for Betfred’s Spanish office – was given the go ahead to offer even lower tax rates, along with lower corporate tax and VAT rates.
