Consumer complaints concerning online gambling platforms in Portugal have more than doubled during 2026, alongside continued growth across the country's regulated casino and sports betting market.
Consumer organisation DECO PROteste received 87 complaints between January and June, representing a monthly average of 14.5. This compares with an average of 6.8 complaints per month during 2025.
The organisation said the current rate would produce an annual increase of approximately 112% if maintained through the remainder of the year.
Withdrawal restrictions accounted for 55% of the cases examined. Other complaints concerned repeated identity checks, account closures following winnings, deposits that were not credited and the absence of effective dispute resolution procedures.
DECO PROteste also identified allegations of responsible gambling failures, including gambling limits being exceeded automatically and promotional offers being sent to self-excluded customers. It said many complainants received automated responses that did not resolve their disputes.
Approximately 28% of the complaints involved platforms that may not hold a Portuguese licence. The SRIJ, which regulates online gambling under Turismo de Portugal, can order internet service providers to block unauthorised websites and refer suspected illegal operations to prosecutors.
The increase in complaints follows further expansion in regulated activity. Online gambling gross gaming revenue reached €323.7m ($376.2m) during Q1 2026, rising 13.7% year-on-year. Casino games generated €204.2m, while sports betting contributed €119.5m.
Portugal currently has 30 licensed gambling platforms, according to DECO PROteste. Licensed operators must comply with the country's Online Gambling Legal Regime, including technical, consumer protection and responsible gambling requirements.
DECO PROteste called for stronger consumer safeguards and greater international cooperation, stating: “It is essential that operators comply with the rules of transparency and responsible gambling, but also that the players themselves are aware of the existing mechanisms to prevent risky situations.”
Portugal's Government is preparing changes to the country's online gambling legislation following concerns about illegal operators, advertising and weaknesses in the current self-exclusion framework. Opposition proposals include payment restrictions, a public register of unauthorised operators and a six-month minimum exclusion period.
Self-exclusion requests submitted through the SRIJ apply across every online gambling website licensed in Portugal, while requests made directly to an operator only cover that operator's platform
