Portugal’s top gambling industry body warned that “imminent harm to the safety of users” was imminent after its recent survey revealed Portugal’s inability to deter illegal operators.
According to the Portuguese Online Gambling and Betting Association (APAJO), an annual report, 41% of players are using unlicensed platforms. This figure increases to 52.1% for those aged 18-34.
APAJO has filed previous criminal complaints against influencers on social media who promote illegal websites. In its 2024 Portugal report, it found that users prefer unlicensed platforms because of the bonuses and odds they offer. Security (61.3%), and improved customer service (37.3%) are the main reasons why licensed platforms are preferred.
Around 90% of those surveyed in the study “Portuguese Online Gambling Habits, 2024”, knew it was illegal to provide gambling services without a license in Portugal. APAJO reported that four of the top 15 national online gambling sites are illegal.
Ricardo Domingues is the president of APAJO. He said that licensed operators, legislators and regulators must all work together in order to achieve a rate of channelisation of at least 80%. He said that the illegal platforms posed an “imminent threat to user safety”.
Domingues stated that “at this time, the illegal operators tend to be shady and nefarious projects who blatantly exploit their ability to reach Portuguese audiences in order for them not have pay taxes or adhere strictly with consumer protection laws.” This type of organization puts all players in danger, including their financial and personal data. They even use predatory behavior towards the most vulnerable.
Portugal’s illegal betting sites users wager more
This year, the Portuguese Online Gambling Habits Study expanded its sample from 500 to 1000 people. This study identifies those who gamble with legal or unlicensed operators. It also asks the players if they play on non-licensed platforms.
According to this study, 71.5 percent of the respondents claimed to have spent up to EUR50 per month (PS42.70/$54.90), although most spend less than EUR25. Only 77.6% of those that only gamble with licensed operators wager less than EUR50 each month. APAJO stated that the number of players in Portugal who are in the top spending segment is “substantially” higher among those betting with illegal operators.
78.2% say that they know about the existence of responsible gambling tools at licensed operators, and 43.3% have used or are using them.
Domingues continued: “We should not also forget about the lost tax revenue, which is estimated to be more than EUR100m. This would make it very difficult for these operators to promote themselves via social networks, sponsored articles and influencers in Portuguese media. They could also offer payment methods like Multibanco or MBWay.
APAJO filed several criminal complaints against influential people who promote illegal gambling platforms last month. In early 2024, a complaint was filed against Claudia Nayara.
APAJO stated: “These people promote unlicensed operators via affiliate links, and profit from their activity.”
APAJO’s “My Game is Serious”, a campaign to encourage responsible gaming, was launched last year. This campaign included a variety of influential people.
Portugal’s legal online gambling industry has experienced a significant increase in revenues. The online gambling market has been setting records for revenue in successive quarters since more than a full year.
