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Portugal's online gambling boom leaves traditional casinos in decline

Digital bets now rule Portugal's gambling scene, with revenue tripling in four years. What's next for the fading era of brick-and-mortar casinos?

The image shows a poster advertising the Estoril Casino in Portugal. It features a vibrant array of...
The image shows a poster advertising the Estoril Casino in Portugal. It features a vibrant array of flowers, leaves, and text, as well as a few people, buildings, and a body of water in the background.

Portugal's online gambling boom leaves traditional casinos in decline

Online gambling in Portugal has seen a sharp rise in recent years, far outpacing traditional betting venues. New figures from the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) show a dramatic shift in how Portuguese gamblers place their bets. The latest trends were also highlighted in a recent episode of the daily podcast Economia dia a dia on Expresso, hosted by Juliana Simões.

Between 2021 and 2025, annual revenue from online gambling surged by around 150%. The sector grew from roughly €200 million to over €500 million, according to SRIJ data. Meanwhile, traditional gambling—such as casinos and bingo halls—has struggled, with revenue dipping slightly from about €800 million to €750 million.

The podcast *Economia dia a dia* examined these changes, noting how digital platforms now dominate the market. Portuguese gamblers wager billions each year, with online betting becoming the preferred choice for many. SRIJ's report confirms that physical gambling venues are steadily losing ground. While online operators expand, older establishments face declining visitor numbers and revenue.

The latest SRIJ data underscores a clear trend: online gambling is reshaping Portugal's betting industry. Traditional casinos and bingo halls now account for a shrinking share of the market. The shift reflects broader changes in how people gamble across the country.

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