SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Portugal’s Council of Ministers have approved the passing of the nation’s Online Gambling Bill, which is set to commence on 28 June. The bill will bring a legislative framework for all forms of online gambling under the monitoring of Portuguese gambling regulator Santa Casa de Misericordia de Lisboa.
Portuguese ministers have assured the public that the gambling bill, is line with European Union regulations on competition laws and fair business practices. The Council of Ministers issued the following statement:
“The bill will proceed with the regulation of online gambling in line with the recommendations issued by the EC on this matter and the international best practices.Licenses will be awarded to all the companies that will ensure the full respect of a set of financial, economic and technical requirements.”
The licensing window for online gambling operators wishing to enter the Portuguese market has been opened by Santa Casa. The operators that gain approval will be allowed to advertise and market their products on approved national mediums, as the national regulator has attached the same set of marketing rules as those applied to marketing alcohol.
Portuguese news sources have stated that the government at present is aiming to raise €25 million in online gambling taxes under the new framework.
