Portugal’s Online Gambling Regulation: A European Success Story

Portugal has emerged as a compelling case study in the European landscape of gambling regulation. Since its inception in 2015, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), Portugal’s gambling regulatory body, has dramatically reshaped the nation’s online gaming market. The agency has struck a remarkable balance between protecting consumers and fostering a vibrant, competitive market. The SRIJ has been instrumental in combating illegal operators, issuing over 1,172 closure notices by 2023, while simultaneously creating an environment where legal betting houses in Portugal can thrive under clear and fair rules.

A Regulatory Framework Worthy of Reference

The introduction of Decree-Law 66/2015 marked a turning point for the Portuguese gaming market, establishing the Legal Regime for Online Games and Betting (RJO). This comprehensive legislation was designed not only to legalize online gambling but also to create a regulated ecosystem that protects players and promotes sports integrity.

“The objective of the RJO was to provide competitiveness to the Portuguese market, understanding that only in this way would it be possible to reduce illegal online gambling by operators that make gambling available in Portugal and by players who access it,” explains a representative of the SRIJ.

The agency’s regulatory approach includes multiple layers of protection, from preventing fraud and money laundering to safeguarding sports integrity by combating match-fixing. Simultaneously, the framework establishes robust safeguards against excessive and addictive gambling behaviors.

The impact of this regulation is evident in the current maturity of the market. As of 2025, Portugal boasts 17 licensed operators, reflecting controlled but consistent growth. This careful approach to licensing has ensured that only companies with adequate technical and financial capacity can operate, setting a high standard that benefits both players and the market as a whole.

Vigilant Enforcement: The Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Operators

The SRIJ’s commitment to law enforcement has been a decisive factor in shaping the market. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024 alone, the agency issued 176 closure notices to illegal operators, flagged 482 websites for blocking, and referred 15 cases to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

This aggressive approach against unlicensed operators has been crucial in channeling players to regulated platforms. Since 2015, more than 1,500 illegal gambling sites have been blocked, demonstrating the agency’s unwavering determination to enforce the law.

The effectiveness of this enforcement is amplified by rigorous compliance measures that include severe sanctions for infractions. Penalties can reach €24,000 for less serious offenses, while more serious violations can result in administrative fines ranging from €5,000 to €1,000,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.

For more serious crimes, such as operating gambling outside authorized establishments, the consequences are even more severe: prison sentences of up to two years or fines of up to 200 days, according to Article 108 of Decree-Law No. 422/89, of December 2.

Economic and Social Impact: Tangible Benefits of Regulation

The success of the Portuguese regulatory model is not limited to creating a competitive market; it extends to significant economic and social benefits. In 2024, tax revenues from online gambling totaled €82.6 million, contributing substantially to public health programs and initiatives to combat addiction.

This fiscal contribution not only supports the development of crucial health infrastructure but also funds educational and preventive programs targeted at responsible gambling. In fact, a significant portion of these revenues is channeled directly into the treatment and prevention of addictive behaviors, creating a virtuous cycle where the industry itself contributes to mitigating potential negative effects.

The Portuguese approach to regulation demonstrates that a well-structured regulatory framework can simultaneously protect consumers and generate substantial revenues for the public good.

A Market in Exponential Growth

The latest data from the SRIJ reveals a market in full expansion. The fourth quarter of 2024 recorded a record gross revenue of €323 million, an increase of 41% compared to the same period of the previous year. For the full year of 2024, the Portuguese online gambling market surpassed the impressive mark of one billion euros, reaching a combined revenue of €1.07 billion, a growth of 42% compared to 2023.

This remarkable growth is supported by an equally robust player base. At the end of 2024, the market had 4.7 million registered players, with approximately 1.23 million active in the last quarter. Significantly, about 78% of these players were under 45 years old, indicating strong engagement among younger demographics.

The magnitude of these numbers underscores the success of the Portuguese regulatory model in creating an environment where licensed operators can thrive, while the best online casinos in Portugal compete in a fair and transparent market.

A Model for the Future

The “SRIJ Effect” transcends Portuguese borders, offering valuable lessons for other European regulators. The agency’s ability to balance regulatory rigor with market development has created a scenario where all stakeholders benefit: consumers enjoy robust protections, legal operators thrive in an environment of fair competition, and the State receives substantial tax contributions.

As other European countries consider reforms in their regulatory approaches to online gambling, the Portuguese model stands out as an example of success. The combination of rigorous licensing, consistent enforcement, and consumer protection has proven to be an effective formula for transforming a market previously dominated by illegal operators into a regulated and prosperous ecosystem.

Ten years after the implementation of the RJO, the legacy of the SRIJ continues to evolve, proving that effective regulation does not necessarily mean strangling the market. On the contrary, when implemented wisely, regulation can be the catalyst for a vibrant, fair, and sustainable market.

Stay ahead of the game in the licensed betting world – get the latest insights at LicensedBettingSites.com.