LeoVegas will enter the Spanish market in the first quarter of 2019, pending the approval of its recent licence application for casino and sports betting.

Spain has been a locally regulated gambling market since 2012 and LeoVegas views this move as its first step into Spanish-speaking regions.

Gustaf Hagman, LeoVegas Group CEO, said: “We are now taking the next step on our global expansion journey and apply for our first license in a Spanish-speaking country. Spain is one of the fastest growing markets in Europe. Through our technology and experience, we can effectively adapt our business to regulated markets regardless of language and regulations. Therefore, we expect to launch in Spain in the first quarter of 2019.

“Naturally, we see the establishment in the Spanish market as a first step to get into several Spanish-speaking countries.”

The Spanish online gaming market is projected to be worth €1bn ($1.1bn) in 2019, according to estimates from H2 Gambling Capital.

Currently, 11% of all gaming in Spain takes place online, with the overall casino sector growing 30% year-on-year in Q3 2018.

This announcement follows the approval of LeoVegas’ Swedish licence, where it will be operating from 1 January 2019.