The Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gambling (APAJO) has filed complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against four unlicensed online gambling platforms and payment provider, EuPago, alleging that the company facilitated transactions linked to illegal gambling activity.
According to APAJO, despite Portugal’s regulated online gambling market being established in 2016, illegal operators continue to offer payment methods commonly used by Portuguese consumers, including MB Way, Multibanco, Visa and Mastercard.
The association added that the use of recognised payment methods could create a false perception among consumers that transactions with unlicensed operators are legitimate.
APAJO said it has gathered evidence of EuPago’s alleged involvement and previously alerted the Bank of Portugal to the issue in a letter sent in April 2024. It further reaffirmed its willingness to work with regulators, the financial sector, digital platforms and licensed operators to develop solutions that strengthen consumer protection and the security of the regulated market.
At the same time, consumer organisation DECO PROteste has reported that complaints related to online gambling platforms in Portugal have more than doubled in 2026, alongside continued growth in the country’s regulated casino and sports betting market.
DECO PROteste received 87 complaints between January and June, representing a monthly average of 14.5 complaints. This compares with an average of 6.8 complaints per month during 2025.
Withdrawal restrictions accounted for 55% of the cases reviewed. Other complaints included repeated identity verification requests, account closures following player winnings, deposits not being credited and a lack of effective dispute resolution procedures.
Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida previously announced that the Government would introduce new online gambling legislation this summer to tackle illegal gambling
