Portugal Online Gambling Law 2026
SRIJ Licensing · Market Figures · Illegal Site Blocking · Self-Exclusion
Quick Take
- Since 2015 Portugal has licensed online casino games and sports betting. Only operators licensed by the regulator, SRIJ, may offer them to players in Portugal.
- Licensed operators reported a record €651.9 million in gross revenue in the first half of 2026, with 4.9 million registered players.
- SRIJ has ordered 3,043 illegal sites blocked since 2015 and in July 2026 contracted automated tools to find more.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Portugal. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Portugal. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
How the Licensed Market Works
Portugal opened a regulated online market under Decree-Law 66/2015. The regulator, SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos), part of Turismo de Portugal, licenses online casino games and sports betting. At the end of June 2026, 17 operators held 30 licences between them. Licensed sites use the .pt domain and display their SRIJ licence, which is the quickest way for a player to check.
The Market in Numbers
| H1 2026 | Figure |
|---|---|
| Gross online revenue | €651.9m (record, about +14% year on year) |
| Q2 revenue split | Casino 61.9% · Sports betting 38.1% |
| Registered players | 4.9 million |
| Self-excluded players | 413,700 (+26.8% year on year) |
| Special online gambling tax | About €190m for the half |
Illegal Sites
Offering online gambling in Portugal without an SRIJ licence is illegal. SRIJ has ordered 3,043 illegal sites blocked since 2015, notified 1,834 operators and referred 77 cases to prosecutors. In the second quarter of 2026 alone it issued 95 closure notices and flagged 113 sites for blocking. In July 2026 it signed a contract for the DORIA platform, which automates the search for illegal sites and checks whether internet providers actually enforce blocking orders.
Self-Exclusion
Players can exclude themselves from all licensed operators through SRIJ. Self-exclusions have grown quickly: 413,700 players were self-excluded at the end of June 2026, with 60,900 new exclusions in the second quarter.
Crypto
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) applies: crypto-asset service providers need authorisation from a national regulator, and the transitional periods for firms operating under older national rules ended by 1 July 2026 at the latest. Portugal also taxes gains on crypto-assets held for less than 365 days at 28%. For how stablecoin transfers work, see our USDT TRC20 explainer.
Our Position and Help
For players in Portugal, this page covers the law and the licensed market only; we do not promote operators without an SRIJ licence. BeGambleAware offers free, confidential guidance, and our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Portugal?
Yes, with operators licensed by SRIJ. Since 2015 Portugal has licensed online casino games and sports betting.
How many licensed online gambling operators are there in Portugal?
At the end of June 2026, 17 operators held 30 licences between them.
Does Portugal block illegal gambling sites?
Yes. SRIJ has ordered 3,043 illegal sites blocked since 2015 and in 2026 added automated detection tools.
How do I self-exclude in Portugal?
Through SRIJ, which excludes you from all licensed operators. 413,700 players were self-excluded at the end of June 2026.