Portugal’s government must introduce limits on online gambling during the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) shutdown, following the passage of a bill demanding action through the country's parliament.
- Portugal Gambling License
- Portugal Gambling Laws
- Portugal Gambling
- Portugal Gambling Tax
- Portugal Gambling Tax
The bill – No. 326, which was introduced by members of the environmentalist Partido das Pessoas, dos Animais e da Natureza (PAN) – did not set out specifics of the restrictions required.
Rather, it simply called for “partial or total limitations on access to online gambling platforms” and added that the most vulnerable in society, such as minors, must be protected.
What Is Portugal’s Stance On Online Gambling? September 25, 2018. Sponsored Article. Over recent years, the world of online gambling and all of its markets have been pulling in revenue for countries across the globe, but despite the capital potential, not every country is quite as open to the industry.
However, the bill did cite Spain as an example of a country that instituted limits on gambling during lockdown. Spain’s regulations for its lockdown state that audiovisual communications for gambling operators will only be permitted to broadcast between 1AM and 5AM.
Gambling in Portugal is legal and fully regulated. There are a number of land-based casinos, bingo halls, betting shops and other betting venues that are all licensed. Online gambling was legalized in 2015 and Portuguese online bettors can place bets with local online companies or with foreign sites. The casino industry in Portugal has exploded in recent years. There are currently 10 casinos in Portugal with over 5,000 slots and 200 gaming tables. Most casinos are operated by two major casino groups, Estoril-Sol Group and Solverde Group.
The content of advertising will be monitored, with the decree warning that operators may not implicitly or explicitly refer to the pandemic, or promote gambling as a way to alleviate boredom.
Portugal’s government must introduce the regulations within five working days of the bill coming into effect on 9 April. The restrictions would remain in place for as long as Portugal is in a state of emergency.
According to Portuguese media, the bill was supported by the governing Socialist Party, as well as the Left Bloc, Unitary Democratic Coalition, the Libertal Initiative and Libre parties, but was opposed by leading opposition party the Social Democrats, as well as the CDS People’s Party and Chego.
Portugal Gambling License
“There is an urgent need to guard against a situation that could potentially have very harmful effects – unlimited and uncontrolled access to online gaming channels, which is exacerbated by the partial stopping of the economy,” the bill said.
Portugal Gambling Laws
“People with impulse control iss, may feel less in control of their behaviour and therefore gamble more, with worsening emotional and financial consequences.”
Portugal Gambling
The bill claimed that daily online gaming revenue has increased 18% year-on-year since Portugal declared a state of emergency on 18 March, while online casino revenue has grown 24%.
Portugal Gambling Tax
Portugal Gambling Tax
“We believe that it appears vita; to establish restrictions on access to online gaming platforms, avoiding intense play, which can trigger or worsen compulsive gambling habits.”