The Portuguese Parliament recently approved an important document (Resolution No. 161/2025) regarding the regulation of the gaming and gambling sector in Portugal, guiding the Portuguese Government to adopt measures aimed to protect consumers, combat illegal gambling, and modernize the regulatory framework (the Online Gaming and Betting Law “RJO”), especially in the context of online gambling. Below are the main recommendations of this resolution.
Protection of Vulnerable Groups and Young People
Young people are increasingly exposed to online gaming. Data from the second quarter of 2025 shows a 9.9% increase in the number of registered players on licensed platforms compared to the same period of the previous year, with 77.8% of these players being under the age of 45. To address this reality, the RJO must be adjusted to follow the new market dynamics and emerging technologies.
More Effective and Integrated Self-Exclusion Mechanisms
Although it is already mandatory for gaming platform operators to provide self-exclusion mechanisms to their users, currently, an exclusion requested directly on a platform only applies to that platform itself, unless the request is made through the Gambling Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ), which covers all licensed platforms.
The Resolution proposes to unify and simplify the process, making exclusion immediate and universal, regardless of the method of request, and to introduce technologies for voluntary blocking of access to betting websites and applications, helping to prevent compulsive behaviours.
Advertising and Sponsorship Control
Restrictions and recommendations on this matter already exist, such as the guidelines in the SRIJ's Best Practices Manual. Nevertheless, the Resolution recommends the creation of stricter rules, especially aimed at protecting young people and other vulnerable groups.
Combating Illegal Gambling
To combat illegal operators, it is suggested to develop swift methods for blocking domains, promotional pages, and social media content, in addition to limiting payment processors associated with unlicensed websites. It is also proposed to strengthen blocking technologies (DNS, IP addresses, and URLs) and the capabilities of inspection teams, who must be prepared to prevent crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.
Revenue Distribution and Regional Development
The Resolution proposes that part of the gambling revenue be invested in the interior of the country, promoting a better-balanced development and boosting regional tourism.
Transparency
An online portal containing detailed information about the origin and allocation of the funds is recommended to ensure transparency.
PS: The regulation of the gambling market has received considerable attention recently, with recent draft bills being proposed in the Portuguese Parliament by different political parties. Livre proposed stricter limits on advertising, including a general ban with limited exceptions for State social games and specific professional contexts, alongside a complete prohibition on sponsorships of events, competitions, and media content. Additionally, their proposals aim to expand self-exclusion mechanisms by ensuring that a player’s request for exclusion on one platform can apply across all licensed online gambling entities. Similarly, PAN has put forward a draft bill to enhance public awareness of gambling risks, strengthen self-exclusion processes, and combat addictive behaviours through a national plan. None of these proposals has yet been approved. But should these measures be approved, they will affect all stakeholders. The Portuguese Press Association has already warned about the economic effects on media advertising revenues and suggests alternative measures to balance consumer protection and the sustainability of the sector.