Operators call for live casino and review of online gambling licences in Portugal
Licensed online gaming and betting operators in Portugal want a review of the legal framework to allow live casino and modernise licensing processes. The proposals were submitted by the Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gaming to the Government and the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service.
The document groups the requested changes into four areas: tackling illegal gambling, expanding the regulated offering, improving licensing and operating conditions, and strengthening responsible gambling policies. The measures come as part of the announced update to the Legal Framework for Online Games and Betting, which has been in force since 2015.
Live casino among the key proposals
One of the priorities put forward is the creation of a legal framework for live casino, a format in which traditional games such as roulette and blackjack are streamed live and hosted by professional dealers.
The association also wants specific rules for features already available in other markets. These include paid access to bonus rounds and odds-enhancement mechanisms, as well as early cash-out for bets and the creation of personalised bets involving multiple events.
From the operators’ perspective, a more diverse legal offering would help direct some of the demand currently captured by services that are not authorised to operate in Portugal towards licensed platforms.
Sector calls for more efficient licensing processes
The companies are also calling for a review of the administrative and operational conditions applying to licences. The aim is to adapt procedures to the technical and compliance requirements that have accumulated since the current framework came into force.
The proposal seeks to give operators greater scope to intervene in situations involving fraud, money laundering, collusion, the integrity of sporting competitions and problematic gambling behaviour.
In advertising, the association believes the rules could evolve through a self-regulatory model aligned with best practices established by the regulator. This is an industry proposal and does not represent a legislative change that has already been approved.
Tackling illegal platforms
The document proposes more coordinated action with telecommunications companies, search engines and payment service providers. The intention is to make it harder to access, promote and transfer funds to unlicensed operators.
The measures advocated also include stronger accountability for the promotion or advertising of illegal gambling. According to the association, blocking the illicit offering and improving the competitiveness of the regulated market should progress together.
The Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gaming represents eight licensed operators and five sector suppliers. The regulator has also submitted its contribution to the review of the framework to the Government, but the operators’ proposals depend on political decisions and the corresponding legislative process.
Online gambling revenue continued to grow
The requests came during a period of growth in the regulated market. In the second quarter of 2026, gross revenue from online gaming and betting in Portugal reached €328.2 million, 14.4% more than in the same period of 2025.
The State’s revenue from the Special Online Gambling Tax reached €92.1 million between April and June, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.4%. Gross revenue from fixed-odds sports betting was €125.1 million, in a quarter marked by the FIFA World Cup.
The sector uses these indicators to support the economic importance of the legal market. The possible introduction of live casino and the other features will nevertheless remain dependent on the rules ultimately approved by the Portuguese authorities.