After an eighth consecutive quarter of growth in Q3, online gambling revenue shows no sign of slowing down in Portugal. Revenue jumped 24 percent year-over-year and 1.7 percent from last quarter, hitting €266.3 million.

The online casino segment continues to be the driver of growth. According to the national gambling regulator, SRIJ, online casino revenue was up 31 percent year-on-year and 10 percent from last quarter, at €175.1 million. Online casino players spent 34 percent more year-on-year, to a record €4.87 billion.

Slots accounted for 80 percent of bets, way ahead of French roulette (6.1 percent), the Portuguese dice game French bank (5.5 percent) and blackjack (4.5 percent).

In contrast, online sports betting generated revenue of €91.2 million, up by 11 percent year-on-year but down 12 percent from Q2 of last year. Players spent €483.4 million, with football accounting for 73 percent of bets, ahead of tennis, with 21 percent.

Gambling participation reached 4.5 million in Q3, a rise of 17 percent year-on-year. There were 269,800 new registrations while 117,400 players closed their accounts, and the number of self-excluded players reached 276,200, a rise of 40 percent.

The age group of 25 to 34 was again the most active, but the biggest jump in new users was in the 18 to 24 age group, with 31 percent.

The SRIJ said it issued 47 orders against gambling websites found to be operating in breach of regulations.

Land-based gambling in Portugal

In Portugal’s land-based gambling sector, gross revenue slipped slightly in Q3, falling 0.3 percent year-on-year to €75.9 million. The figure was up by 19 percent compared to Q2. Slot machines generated €56.1 million, down 2 percent year-on-year, while casino and bingo gaming generated €19.9 million, up 4.9 percent. Among these, American roulette generated €7.1 million, up 23 percent.

Last year, the Portuguese online gambling and betting trade association, APAJO, warned that the country is failing to tackle ‌unlicensed gambling. Its annual Portuguese Online Gambling Habits Survey from 2024 suggests that 41 percent of Portuguese players used unlicensed platforms, rising to 52 percent for players aged between 18 and 34.

APAJO, which also filed criminal complaints against social media influencers for promoting unlicensed sites, said users mainly chose unlicensed platforms for higher bonuses, higher odds, and a bigger range of games. On the other hand, of those who preferred licensed platforms, 61 percent cited increased security, and 37 percent highlighted better customer support.

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