The online gambling sector in Portugal is estimated to be worth around €24 billion (US$27.85 billion), while illegal platforms may represent an additional and unquantified large volume of losses across digital channels, according to the Minister of Economy, Manuel Castro Almeida.
Castro Almeida made the comments at the launch of a new awareness campaign titled “Not everything you see is safe gambling,” promoted by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) alongside the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) and the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) of Turismo de Portugal.
He urged involved authorities to act “efficiently, with determination and, above all, with great coordination” against unauthorized operators.
Following the rejection in parliament of a proposal from Livre to revise the online gambling and betting framework—blocked by PSD and CDS—the government announced plans to introduce new legislation this summer aimed at updating existing rules.
Castro Almeida described illegal online gambling as “a plague,” emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged response combining enforcement, sanctions, prevention, and public awareness campaigns. “Illegal online gambling destroys many people, many families, many individuals, and it’s also terrible for the economy,” he stated.
The minister warned that illegal gambling activities are expanding rapidly, driven in part by what he described as a growing “sense of impunity” in the digital environment, particularly around online fraud.
Castro Almeida called on institutions to propose regulatory changes where necessary, stressing government openness to reforms that strengthen enforcement capabilities. “If changing the laws is necessary to make it easier to combat this problem, suggest it,” he said. “The government is here for that.”
At the same event, Director-General for Consumer Affairs Jorge Seguro Sanches said the campaign aims to improve public understanding of the risks associated with illegal gambling, warning of its broader social and financial impact.
Meanwhile, Judicial Police National Director Carlos Cabreiro outlined the dangers linked to illegal platforms, including identity theft, financial fraud, malware distribution, espionage, and data-locking attacks. He described these activities as “serious” crimes targeting unsuspecting users.
The campaign will be disseminated through digital platforms operated by the participating entities, with a particular focus on younger audiences.
A cooperation protocol was also signed between the DGC and the Judicial Police, strengthening collaboration in consumer protection, digital safety, and criminal investigation. The agreement includes training initiatives, knowledge sharing, joint events, and improved communication strategies.