Online bingo is legal in Portugal and regulated under the Legal Framework for Online Gambling and Betting established by Decree-Law No. 66/2015 of April 29, which came into force on June 28, 2015 (1). The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), operating under Turismo de Portugal, serves as the central authority responsible for licensing and overseeing all online gambling activities including bingo (1). The framework covers a broad spectrum of games with the objective of affording competitiveness to the Portuguese market and reducing illegal online gambling operations (1). Operating licenses must be granted to entities that satisfy stringent requirements regarding good standing and economic, financial, and technical capacity (1).
To obtain an online bingo license, applicants must be public liability companies with their head office in a European Union Member State or EEA country, provided they hold a branch in Portugal (1). The SRIJ's responsibilities include issuing licenses for online bingo, monitoring ongoing operations to ensure fair play, and enforcing rules for the prevention of illegal activities (2). Online casino games and online bingo face a tax rate of 25% of the operator's gross gaming revenue (2). Licensed operators must implement responsible gambling measures, anti-money laundering compliance under Law no. 83/2017, and maintain technical systems that comply with national standards (2).
"Similarly to the situation in most European countries, the RJO provides that the operating of online gambling and betting must not be exclusive for some entities, even if these are already qualified to conduct gambling and betting operations in Portugal."
Portugal has strengthened enforcement against illegal gambling through a reinforced agreement under Decree-Law No. 66/2015, facilitating the blocking of over 1,500 illegal gambling sites since 2015 (2). The SRIJ works closely with internet service providers to ensure prompt removal of unauthorized platforms, significantly reducing accessibility of illegal gambling services (2). Consumer protection remains a top priority with enhanced responsible gambling tools including mandatory deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and awareness campaigns educating players on illegal gambling risks (2). Advertising restrictions prevent unlicensed operators from promoting services through media channels, with penalties extending to media companies that fail to comply (2).
Source:
https://www.srij.turismodeportugal.pt/sites/default/files/2022-08/RJO_Versao_inglesa_EN.pdf
https://altenar.com/blog/gambling-laws-in-portugal-operators-guide-to-regulation-and-legality-in-2024/
Last updated: 28-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
