Online betting and gaming operator LeoVegas announced it has submitted a license application for casino and sports betting in Spain.

The company said it hopes to launch in Spain in the first quarter of 2019.

“We are now taking the next step on our global expansion journey and apply for our first license in a Spanish-speaking country, Spain,” said Gustaf Hagman, LeoVegas Group CEO in a press release. “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 already in the first quarter of 2019,” continued Hagman. “Spanish is spoken by more than 470 million people. Naturally, we see the establishment in the Spanish market as a first step to get into several Spanish-speaking countries. The Spanish casino market grew by more than 30 per cent in Q3 2018 compared to 2017.”