Massive lottery earnings set new records
In 2024, Jogos Santa Casa, the state lottery institution, recorded its highest-ever payout in prize money, totaling €2,073.20 million, according to the 2024 Annual Report. This sum was distributed among bettors, marking an all-time high for lottery revenue, with €673 million going directly to players and €211.6 million collected through stamp duty on lottery sales.
The report indicated that the year 2024 witnessed the highest value paid in prizes by Jogos Santa Casa in its history. Commissions paid to agents reached an impressive €247.9 million, primarily consisting of small, family-run businesses. This tremendous figure had a significant positive impact on local economies and job creation.
Upon assuming office, Paulo Sousa, the provider of Santa Casa, encountered a noticeable decline in lottery activity compared to the previous year. To reverse this trend, the board implemented several strategic measures. These included:
- Addressing accessibility issues for specific games.
- Expanding the network of agents to over 5,000 across Portugal—a growth not seen in more than a decade.
- Investing approximately €20 million in upgrading the retail technology platform.
Sousa further noted that 2024 saw a record volume of digital lottery sales, and though acknowledging the growing significance of online channels, he maintained a commitment to Jogos Santa Casa's physical retail network and adherence to its operating license.
Despite the positive financial results, Sousa addressed the ongoing issue of gambling addiction. He noted that social lottery games account for just 15% of total gambling in Portugal. Santa Casa operates a support helpline for problem gambling, but over 65% of calls are unrelated to their games. Sousa emphasized the need for greater focus on the societal challenge posed by online gambling.
According to recent news reports, there were no significant operational changes or new initiatives introduced by Jogos Santa Casa, with the focus exclusively on the financial performance and prize distribution. For a comprehensive review of all changes, the official annual report of Jogos Santa Casa would be required.
[Sources][1] Various news reports, absence of direct quotes or summaries from the 2024 Annual Report for Jogos Santa Casa.
In 2024, a significant increase in revenue was observed in the casino-and-gambling sector of Portugal, with Jogos Santa Casa, the state lottery institution, recording its highest-ever payout in prize money. This surge was not limited to lotteries alone, as there was a noticeable rise in casino games, contributing to the casino-culture in Portugal. The gambling trends in the country derived momentum from strategic measures implemented by Jogos Santa Casa, such as improving accessibility, expanding their agent network, and upgrading retail technology platforms.
