The strict gambling restrictions currently in place in Spain are to be relaxed over the next few months, it has emerged.

Regional governments in Madrid and northern Spain have already given the go-ahead for new betting shops, with authorities in other parts of the country - including southern areas such the Costa del Sol - expected to follow suit.

This means that sport-loving British expatriates living in Spain may soon be able to take a punt on their favourite team, although betting regulations will remain stricter than in the UK, the Independent reports.

Gamblers will only be able to place bets on sporting events, while a maximum wager of €500,000 (£371,000) will be enforced.

“No one is going to get rich but the fun will be in ‘pitting my opinion against yours’,” said Emma Mateos, marketing director at Spanish gaming company Victoria SA.

“It is simply an opportunity to live the emotion of the sport more intensely,” she added.

Football and basketball are the two most popular sports in Spain, although with the Costa del Sol the country also boasts one of the world’s premier locations for golfers.

Tags: Leisure, Spain, sports