Portugal simplifies access to online gambling self-exclusion
Portugal's Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) has taken a fundamental step in its consumer protection strategy with the launch of a new self-exclusion platform designed for the digital environment. This system allows any citizen who decides to suspend their gaming activity to do so centrally, applying the restriction automatically and simultaneously to all officially licensed operators in the country. The tool has been developed under modern usability criteria, featuring an intuitive interface fully optimized for mobile devices, ensuring that the process is quick and accessible for those in vulnerable situations.
The central objective of this technological renewal is to reduce the administrative barriers that often hinder preventive decision-making against problem gambling. By simplifying each step of the process, the Portuguese regulator aims for the self-exclusion mechanism to be an effective and prompt solution, strengthening the security of the betting ecosystem and ensuring that the user's right to withdraw from the market is respected by all authorized platforms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combine digital innovation with strict control over operator conduct and players' financial health.
Reinforcement in market inspection and surveillance
In line with this modernization, the regulatory body has begun expanding its technical team by hiring eleven new inspectors. These professionals will be integrated into critical areas for sector transparency, focusing on the management of technological infrastructures, auditing information integrity systems, and developing IT projects for land-based gaming. With this reinforcement, Portugal seeks to anticipate the industry's technical challenges, ensuring that data flow and the operation of sportsbooks strictly comply with current regulations.
Polymarket's cessation of operations due to political betting
The Portuguese regulator's firmness has also recently been demonstrated in the area of prediction market integrity. The SRIJ ordered Polymarket to immediately cease activities after detecting a massive increase in bets linked to the presidential elections held last January. Portuguese legislation, based on the 2015 online gaming law, expressly prohibits betting on political events, whether national or international. Under this legal framework, only sports betting, casino games, and horse racing are permitted, so any offering related to democratic processes is considered illegal and contrary to public order principles.
Tags: Portugal, online betting Portugal, gambling self-exclusion Portugal, SRIJ, problem gambling Portugal