Whether it is betting on television shows or competitions or simply soccer matches, the Spanish are well-known for their gambling preferences. It is the country that bets the most in Europe, a fact that is confirmed by the operating of the new sportsbook.

Spain has always been a hot point of gambling, and now that sportsbooks have been installed, the industry is expected to grow considerably. The famous bookmaking firm, William Hill, has already joined the Spanish gaming company Codere and is going to open the very first sportsbook in Madrid this week.

On average, a Spanish adult spends $1,000 on bets per year. Now that the betting of soccer has become legal, statistics show an estimate increase of almost $60 billion by the year 2010. Last year’s Spanish Christmas lottery (which was run by the state) offered a $3.5 billion prize, and was considered to be the world’s biggest lottery draw.

Although William Hill will be the first foreign operator to open, various others are hurrying to do so. Intralot (Greek), Ladbrokes (British) and Cirsa (Spaniard) have already been licensed to install their own sportsbook in the area, and are only waiting for final details to come through.