The Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gaming (APAJO) has submitted a package of legislative proposals to the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) and the Government.
The proposed measures are based on four pillars, including prioritising the fight against illegal operators, reviewing and expanding the allowed product range, improving licensing and operating conditions, as well as advancing enhanced responsible gambling measures.
One of the industry’s main priorities is the introduction of regulated live casino in Portugal. Simultaneously, operators are advocating for more betting options.
In addition, the proposals call for giving operators more power to step in and take action when they detect money laundering, fraud, match-fixing, collusion or problem gambling.
Since combating illegal gambling is also a priority, one of the proposals is to strengthen cooperation with telecommunications operators and search engines.
This development follows Minister of Economy Manuel Castro Almeida's earlier announcement that the Government will introduce new legislation on online gambling this summer.
Almeida noted that Portugal’s online gambling market is now worth around €24bn ($28bn) annually, with the illegal market potentially matching that figure.
The Minister stressed the need for stronger prevention measures and greater public awareness of the risks linked to illegal gambling.
During the first 11 years of the country’s regulated digital market, the regulator SRIJ issued 1,834 closure notices concerning illegal online gambling operations.
The cumulative figure was disclosed in the regulator’s latest report and covers enforcement activity since Portugal introduced its online gambling licensing framework in 2015. The report also recorded 77 notifications to the Public Prosecutor’s Office over the period.
APAJO represents eight licensed operators – Betano, Betclic, GoBet, Estoril Sol Digital, SFP Online, Solverde, Skill On Net Limited and Reel Europe – as well as five suppliers
