Online poker is fully legal in Portugal under the Legal Framework for Online Gambling and Betting, enacted through Decree-Law No. 66/2015 of 29 April 2015 (1). The Portuguese government regulates online gambling by recognizing that it is a widespread reality which the State cannot ignore, and the regulatory framework reflects recommendations of the European Commission and best practices adopted in other countries (1). Licensed operators must satisfy stringent requirements regarding good standing, economic capacity, financial capacity, and technical capacity to operate legally.
The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), operating under Turismo de Portugal, serves as the central authority responsible for regulating and overseeing all gambling activities in Portugal (2). This regulatory body issues licenses for online poker, monitors ongoing operations to ensure fair play, and enforces rules for the prevention of illegal activities (2). Portugal joined a liquidity-sharing agreement with France, Spain, and Italy in June 2017, allowing Portuguese players to compete against players from these countries on licensed platforms.
"The RJO covers a broad spectrum of games, with the objective of affording competitiveness to the Portuguese market, as it is understood that only in this way will it be possible to reduce illegal online gambling by operators that make gambling available in Portugal."
Online poker operators in Portugal must obtain proper licensing and comply with taxation requirements, with taxes ranging between 15 and 30 percent on gross gaming revenue (2). The regulatory framework aims to guarantee the protection of minors and vulnerable groups, avoid fraud and money laundering, and prevent gambling-related criminal behavior while safeguarding sport integrity (1). The law exclusively regulates games of chance, fixed-odds sports bets, and horse racing bets when conducted remotely through electronic, IT, telematics, and interactive media or any other means.
Source:
https://www.srij.turismodeportugal.pt/sites/default/files/2022-08/RJO_Versao_inglesa_EN.pdf
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/portugal
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
