Portugal activated on April 10, 2026, its new national self-exclusion platform “Autoexclusão SRIJ”, a centralized system that blocks player access to all licensed online operators, strengthening market oversight without altering the current legal framework.
The measure is implemented by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), under Decree-Law No. 66/2015 (Legal Framework for Online Gambling – RJO), which regulates online casinos, sports betting, and other digital verticals. The regulator operates within Turismo de Portugal, chaired in 2026 by Carlos Abade, under the government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The shift is operational rather than legislative: the system replaces a fragmented model—where self-exclusion depended on individual operators—with a centralized and mandatory infrastructure, requiring full technical integration with the SRIJ. The platform aligns with existing controls including KYC requirements, identity verification, AML monitoring, and regulatory audits, enhancing enforcement capacity.
Portugal’s regulated online market continues to expand, with gross gaming revenue reaching €287 million in Q2 2025 and €297 million in Q3 2025, reflecting sustained digital growth. The ecosystem includes over 30 active licenses and approximately 17 operators, operating under a strict tax regime of up to 30% GGR on online casino.
Carlos Abade
At the same time, the regulator maintains pressure on illegal operators through continuous blocking actions and enforcement measures, reinforcing a policy framework centered on player protection.
The measure applies exclusively to online gambling, while land-based gaming remains under Decree-Law 422/89. Portugal is not liberalizing its market—it is tightening its control architecture, consolidating a model of digital growth under increased regulatory scrutiny and stricter compliance standards.
