Portuguese Regulators Use ISP Blocking to Shut Down Illegal Online Casinos

Portugal Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling

Portuguese regulatory authorities are ramping up efforts to create a safe and legal digital environment for online gaming. A key tactic involves Internet Service Provider (ISP) blocking to prevent access to unlicensed online casinos. This measure, coordinated by the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ), is a primary tool in combating illegal gambling within the country.

Background: Regulating Online Gaming in Portugal

Since 2015, with the introduction of the Legal Regime for Online Games and Betting, Portugal has established a framework for legal online gambling. However, unauthorized operators continue to pose a challenge, especially given the ease of accessing foreign websites. ISP blocking provides a technical solution to limit this activity.

How ISP Blocking Works

ISP blocking restricts access to specific internet domains by internet service providers. When the SRIJ identifies an illegal gambling site – one operated without a Portuguese license – it can order national ISPs to block it.

In practice, users attempting to access these sites are redirected to a warning page indicating the domain is unavailable by order of the regulatory authority. This doesn’t remove the site from the internet, but it prevents access from within Portugal, discouraging use by Portuguese players.

Impact of Blocking Measures

According to a report from the first quarter of 2025, the SRIJ had already ordered the blocking of over 129 illegal gambling sites. In the first three months of the year alone, 54 new domains were blocked. This reflects increased regulatory oversight and a commitment to protecting consumers from unauthorized operators.

Blocking is often preceded by a formal notification to the platform’s owners, giving them the opportunity to voluntarily cease targeting the Portuguese market. If there’s no response or cooperation, the blocking order is executed with the support of ISPs.

The Dangers of Illegal Online Casinos

The proliferation of unlicensed online casinos presents several risks to Portuguese players:

1. Lack of Legal Protection: Players using illegal platforms are outside the protection of national law, lacking guarantees regarding fair games or the security of their data and funds.
2. Absence of Responsible Gambling Mechanisms: Illegal operators often don’t offer tools like self-exclusion, deposit limits, or risk behavior alerts, potentially worsening addiction.
3. Fraud and Money Laundering: Some unlicensed platforms are linked to fraudulent or criminal activities, operating outside financial and tax controls required of legal operators.
4. Unfair Competition: Illegal operators harm competition by not complying with the tax and legal obligations imposed on licensed operators.

Effectiveness and Limitations

ISP blocking is a useful tool, but it’s not foolproof. Experienced players can bypass restrictions using VPNs (virtual private networks) to mask their location and access sites as if they were in another country.

Experts believe blocking should be complemented by awareness campaigns, digital education, and constant monitoring. Strengthening international cooperation through sharing blacklists, regulatory practices, and joint actions is also essential to combat this transnational phenomenon.

The Legal Market: A Growing Alternative

Portugal currently has 17 licensed operators offering sports betting and games of chance, complying with legal requirements. These operators are subject to technical audits, advertising rules, consumer protection mechanisms, and tax payments.

In 2024, gross revenues from legalized online gambling exceeded €800 million, confirming the strength and attractiveness of the regulated market. The number of registered players continues to grow, surpassing 4.8 million accounts by March 2025, demonstrating public acceptance of a legal and transparent system.

Education as a Regulatory Complement

Alongside technical and legislative action, the SRIJ is strengthening awareness campaigns about the risks of illegal gambling. In cooperation with schools, universities, and health institutions, it promotes information on responsible gambling, the dangers of addiction, and the importance of choosing licensed operators. These initiatives are crucial to ensuring users understand the implications of their online choices and to creating a culture of conscious and safe digital consumption.

Conclusion: Balancing Regulation and Innovation

Blocking illegal online casinos at the ISP level is a central tool in Portugal’s online gambling regulation policy, protecting consumers and the legal market. While it doesn’t eliminate the problem entirely, it’s an effective measure, especially when accompanied by active monitoring, consumer education, and international cooperation.

Portugal stands out as a European country with a solid regulatory model, combining technological innovation with social responsibility. The sector’s future depends on maintaining this balance, protecting citizens without hindering the development of a rapidly expanding digital industry.