Portugal Gambling Regulator Advances Revisions To Core Online Gaming and Sports Betting Rules

Portugal’s gambling regulator has opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the country’s main regulatory frameworks for online casino games and fixed-odds sports betting. The Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ), operating under Turismo de Portugal, confirmed that the Gaming Commission approved the draft changes during meetings held on 19 December 2025 and 2 January 2026.

The consultation marks the latest step in the regulator’s ongoing review of the rules governing licensed online gambling activity.

Amendments target online casino games and sports betting

The draft proposals concern Regulation No 828/2015, establishing technical and operational requirements for online gaming machines, and Regulation No 903-A/2015, governing online fixed-odds sports betting. Together, these laws are key to Portugal’s iGaming framework, designed since launching in 2015. 

While the regulator has not published detailed technical explanations alongside the consultation notice, the amendments are expected to address execution standards, implementation processes, and areas requiring operational clarity.

Consultation process invites industry feedback

Under the consultation process, stakeholders have 20 working days from 27 January 2026 to submit comments, proposals, or technical observations. Feedback must be provided directly to the regulator via the designated email address on the consultation notice.

The process is open to licensed operators, technology suppliers, and other interested parties active within Portugal’s regulated online gambling ecosystem. Submissions will be reviewed before the amendments are finalised and formally adopted.

The SRIJ has described the consultation as a practical mechanism for gathering industry input while reinforcing compliance and operational transparency.

Regulatory updates reflect broader enforcement posture

The consultation comes amid sustained regulatory activity in Portugal’s online gambling sector. Authorities have repeatedly stated the importance of strict adherence to licensing conditions and national gambling laws.

Portugal’s legal framework permits licensed online casino games, sports betting, and horse racing, while other forms of wagering remain expressly forbidden. Political betting, whether domestic or international, continues to be prohibited.

Earlier this month, the regulator ordered prediction market platform Polymarket to cease operations in Portugal after more than €100m ($116m) was reportedly wagered on the country’s presidential election. This showed the regulator’s will to enforce against unlawful forms of gambling and platforms operating without a local license.

The proposed amendments highlight a continued focus on refining the country’s regulatory framework. The outcome will influence how online operators adapt their technical and operational practices in Portugal over the coming years.