Gambling Age In Portugal

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Portugal, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per the Gaming Law, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based gambling is legal and regulated, with 12 casinos in Lisbon, Algarve, and Madeira, offering slots, poker, and table games, catering to tourists and locals. Betting shops and lottery outlets, managed by Santa Casa da Misericórdia, are widespread, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The casino market, generating €150 million annually, benefits from Portugal’s tourism sector, with venues featuring extensive game catalogs akin to those you’ve expressed interest in.

Online Gambling: Online gambling is legal and regulated since 2015 under the Remote Gambling Regime, with licensed operators offering casinos, sports betting, and poker, accessible via mobile platforms. The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) ensures age verification and compliance. The market, valued at over €300 million in 2024, offers zero tax on winnings, enhancing its appeal. Unlicensed offshore sites are blocked, and players using them face fines up to €5,000.

Regulation and Oversight: The SRIJ, under the Tourism Ministry, regulates gambling under the Gaming Law of 1989 and Decree-Law 66/2015. It oversees licensing, similar to the rigorous processes you’ve explored, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives like self-exclusion programs. High taxes (up to 25% on operator revenue) fund social programs, while recent 2025 reforms aim to streamline licensing, supporting Portugal’s strategic EU position for cross-border operators.

Enforcement and Penalties: Portugal enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections to ensure age verification and licensing compliance. Violations lead to fines up to €1 million, license revocation, or criminal charges. Over 1,000 illegal websites were blocked by 2025, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines, ensuring a secure environment. The SRIJ’s robust framework, praised by the EGBA, supports a market projected to grow 8% annually through 2029.