How to Choose the Best Online Casino in Portugal

Portugal’s Online Casino Market: A Safe Haven for Players in 2025

Portugal’s online casino market is thriving, generating €284.7 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025. With 30 licensed operators and strict regulations enforced by the SRIJ, Portugal has become one of Europe’s safest online gambling markets. This guide helps Portuguese players choose the best online casino for their needs.

The Portuguese Regulatory Landscape

The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), operating under Turismo de Portugal, is the ultimate authority regulating online gambling. Since legalization in 2015 through Decree-Law No. 66/2015, the market is known for its high standards of player protection.

The SRIJ issues licenses valid for three years, requiring strict criteria for good reputation, technical capability, and financial stability. Each operator must deposit €500,000 as security for legal obligations and €100,000 for tax guarantees.

Portuguese authorities have implemented pioneering measures, including classifying crash games as a separate category in 2023, with maximum multipliers of 100x and a minimum RTP of 80%.

Essential Criteria for Choosing an Online Casino

SRIJ License Verification

The SRIJ license is the most critical criterion. All legal operators must display their license number on their website, allowing verification on the SRIJ portal. The license guarantees legal compliance, protection of funds, and access to dispute resolution.

Variety and Quality of Games

The market offers titles from leading providers like NetEnt, Playtech, and Games Global. Slots dominate, accounting for 78.2% of bets in online casinos. Games with football and Mediterranean themes are particularly popular.

Local Payment Methods

The best casinos support Multibanco, MB Way, bank transfers in euros, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill.