The Portuguese Online Betting and Gaming Association (APAJO) has stated that its “VAR Mundial” initiative has so far detected more than 100 cases of illegal online gambling promotion during the 2026 World Cup.
The Global VAR (Value-Added Review) initiative identified over 100 cases of illegal communications. Platform-based social media promotion accounted for almost half of these cases, followed by individual influencer and digital content creator activity with more than 30 occurrences.
APAJO also flagged cases involving search engine promotion, Telegram groups and sponsored articles in local Portuguese media outlets. It further detected instances of misuse of both licensed operators’ branding and influencers’ images.
Furthermore, several of the identified breaches feature footballers participating in the 2026 World Cup, national teams, the tournament itself and FIFA.
The association demands attention and action from the lawmakers. The Board President, Ricardo Domingues, has stated that combating illegal activities should be the ‘’country’s top priority when it comes to online gambling.’’
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Government has already identified illegal gambling as a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Earlier this month, Minister of Economy Manuel Castro Almeida announced that the Government will introduce new legislation on online gambling this summer. Almeida stressed the need for stronger prevention measures and greater public awareness of the risks linked to illegal gambling.
The announcement follows claims that the illegal market could equal the total online gambling market, estimated at around €24bn ($27.5bn).
According to the latest market figures published by the regulator, Portugal's online gambling market generated a GGR of €337.6m for Q4 2025, a 13.7% year-on-year increase. In contrast, land-based activity declined for the second consecutive quarter.
In Q4 2025, Football remained Portugal’s dominant betting sport, accounting for 73% of all sports betting stakes
