#HowIsThisPossible. Inside the “VIP clubs” of online gambling
The stories of pathological gamblers are usually very similar. But there is a lesser-known factor in this journey: the role of betting companies in the loss of control.

Latest news and stories about gambling in Portugal for expats and residents.
The stories of pathological gamblers are usually very similar. But there is a lesser-known factor in this journey: the role of betting companies in the loss of control.

Home Gambling How Regulated Online Gambling Markets Are Growing on Both Sides of the Atlantic How Regulated Online Gambling Markets Are Growing on Both Sides of the Atlantic Online gambling is booming in two very different corners of the world.

A new petition has been launched calling for the complete prohibition of online gambling activities within Portugal.

The gambling sector in Portugal reached record revenues last year. More than 2.7 billion euros, largely due to the increase in online betting.

Home Gambling 5 Sinais de um jogo responsável e 5 sinais de alerta 5 Sinais de um jogo responsável e 5 sinais de alerta Jogar de forma responsável não é um conceito abstrato, mas um conjunto de hábitos específicos que ajudam a manter o controle e a diversão sem estresse desnecessário.

Ricardo Domingues, president of the Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gambling (APAJO), warns that 40% of Portuguese bettors use unregulated platforms promoted by influencers. He highlights that the state is losing hundreds of millions in tax revenue and that these illegal sites, which often target minors and lack responsible gambling protections, operate without legal consequences despite numerous complaints.

The Portuguese spent 63 million euros per day on online gambling during the last year, according to figures published by the Diário de Notícias (paywall) in Monday's edition. In total, according to data released by the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ), the volume of money invested...

In Portugal, 4.9 million people are active in online gambling and betting. For some, it becomes an addiction that brings debt and lies: “I thank God for having hit rock bottom.”

The expansion of gambling and the rise in addiction driven by the powerful Internet are creating new challenges for casinos.

Home Gambling Portugal's biggest gaming halls Portugal's biggest gaming halls Portugal’s casino scene is far more diverse and lively than many visitors expect.

The race to Belém has already seen nearly €100 million wagered on an international platform. Bettors are trying to predict who will win the presidential election in Portugal.

The officers were part of a scheme exploiting gambling activities in return for payments and complimentary drinks/refreshments. The owner of the bar where the incidents occurred was also convicted.

Casinos saw gross revenues shrink by 4.6%, equivalent to €3.5 million, in the third quarter of 2025. Online gambling continues to rise and bingo also recorded gains.

In 2024, Portugal recorded the highest-ever volume of online sports betting.

By the third quarter, the cumulative volume of sports bets recorded in 2025 stood at €1,463.8 million.
