Spain, like the United States, has had a ban on online gambling. However, the Spanish government is taking steps to legalize and regulate the online gambling industry. As the market begins to open up, online casinos are rushing to get their place at the table. Two online casino giants, Bwin and William Hill, are currently under negotiations for licensing deals. Studies say that Spain has a potential a market of 50 million people. Bwin and William Hill want to be the first online casinos to hit the market, giving them an early competitive advantage.

 Spain’s move to legalize online gambling is in response to the European Union claim that the ban on online gambling violates EU trade agreements. The United States has been criticized of the same thing in regards to trade agreements within the World Trade Organization. With the possibility of America legalizing gambling soon as well – with a bill to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) currently in the House of Representatives – you can bet that the US would face a similar licensing rush from casinos. Most people believe that the US would give preference to current land-based casinos for licensing, though it would have to allow some foreign online casinos to abide by its trade agreements.

 Until then, Spain is the new pretty girl in the class and all of the online casinos want to meet her and get her phone number. Bwin and William Hill are the first to start talking to her, but expect the shyer casinos to say hello soon.