Portugal Targets Illegal Gambling Market Crackdown

Portugal is preparing a renewed policy response to illegal online gambling after officials warned that unlicensed activity may now rival the size of the country’s regulated market, valued at roughly €24 billion.

The issue was brought into focus during the rollout of a national awareness initiative titled “Not everything you see is safe gambling”, coordinated by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC), the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) and the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) of Turismo de Portugal.

Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida used the occasion to underline the scale of the challenge, stating that illegal operations could account for “another billion”on top of the legal sector. He also said “a huge amount of money is circulating on electronic platforms,” pointing to the continued expansion of digital gambling environments.

He called for a more unified institutional response, urging stakeholders to act “with efficiency, with determination and, above all, with great coordination” when addressing unlicensed operators.

Regulatory System Under Pressure to Adapt

Castro Almeida confirmed that updated online gambling legislation will be presented “this summer,” following a rejected proposal by the Livre party that was blocked by PSD and CDS in parliament.

While no specific measures were outlined, he said the framework will strengthen oversight and penalties, alongside prevention and public education.

He described illegal gambling as “a plague,” saying it “destroys many people, many families, many individuals, and it’s also terrible for the economy.”

He also linked its growth to perceived impunity in digital fraud and invited institutions to propose legal improvements where needed.

Awareness Campaign and Enforcement Cooperation

The awareness campaign linked to the announcement will be distributed primarily through digital platforms, with a particular emphasis on younger audiences.

DGC Director-General Jorge Seguro Sanches said the initiative aims to provide clearer information about the risks associated with illegal gambling activity, noting its impact on both financial security and broader wellbeing.

As part of the campaign launch, the Judicial Police signed a cooperation protocol with the DGC covering consumer protection, digital monitoring and criminal investigation. The agreement includes training, knowledge sharing, communication activities and coordinated use of resources.

Judicial Police National Director Carlos Cabreiro highlighted the criminal risks linked to illegal gambling operations, including identity theft, financial fraud and the use of malicious software designed for espionage or file disruption. He described these as serious threats associated with unregulated platforms.

Enforcement, Prevention and Market Reality

Officials emphasised that tackling illegal gambling requires both enforcement action and preventative strategies, particularly as digital platforms make cross-border operations more difficult to contain.

Authorities also noted that illegal operators frequently exploit online advertising channels and social media reach, increasing exposure among younger users.

The government’s planned legislative update is expected to address structural gaps in the current framework, although no specific policy details have yet been disclosed.

The overall response being developed combines regulatory tightening, awareness efforts and inter-agency cooperation, as Portugal seeks to reduce the influence of unlicensed gambling operators operating outside its regulated system.

Source:

“Castro Almeida: Illegal online gambling could be worth 24 billion, as much as legal online gambling”, jornaldenegocios.pt, Jun 8, 2026