Sports betting has been legal in Portugal since the enactment of the Regime Jurídico dos Jogos e Apostas Online (RJO) in April 2015, which established a comprehensive framework for online gambling activities. The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protection measures to ensure a fair and transparent market for operators and punters alike (1).
Under the RJO, operators must obtain a specific licence to offer fixed-odds sports betting, and they are subject to strict technical, financial, and integrity requirements. Applicants undergo a rigorous certification process, including system audits and proof of financial solvency, before being authorised to enter the Portuguese market (2).
"Pelo Decreto-Lei n.º 66/2015, de 29 de abril foi aprovado o Regime Jurídico dos Jogos e Apostas Online (RJO), diploma que regula a exploração e prática dos jogos e apostas online em Portugal, competindo ao SRIJ emitir, prorrogar, suspender e revogar licenças para a exploração de jogos e apostas online."
Since regulation began, the Portuguese market has seen a steady growth in licensed sportsbooks, with both domestic and international operators participating. All platforms must implement robust responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options, to protect vulnerable players and ensure sustainable practices.
Enforcement actions are actively pursued against unlicensed operators, with the SRIJ maintaining a public blacklist and collaborating with financial institutions to block unauthorized sites. This vigilant approach has fostered a safer betting environment and increased tax revenues for the state.
Source:
https://www.srij.turismodeportugal.pt/pt/jogos-e-apostas-online/enquadramento-legal-do-jogo-online
https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/decreto-lei/2015-67110669
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
