Portugal Casino Bonuses

Match Bonuses

One of the most common bonuses Portuguese players can claim online is the match bonus. This incentive is often offered as a Welcome Bonus, available only to newly registered players. However, match bonuses are also frequently awarded to returning players who simply enjoy their time at a particular online casino. To qualify, you must make a minimum deposit, which the casino then matches with a specified percentage.

Before you can withdraw your bonus funds, you must wager them a predetermined number of times. These wagering requirements are usually outlined in the promotion’s terms and conditions. Players should read the rules carefully, as some match bonuses attach wagering requirements to both the qualifying deposit and the bonus amount.

No Deposit Bonuses

Some online casinos also grant newly registered Portuguese players No Deposit bonuses, which, as the name suggests, do not require any deposit to access bonus funds. Players can use the bonus on selected casino games, and any winnings are usually credited to their bonus balance. To convert these funds into cashable money, you must meet the wagering requirements attached to the offer.

Free Spins

Portuguese players can also enjoy free spins at many online casinos. This incentive may accompany a match bonus or be offered as a standalone promotion to highlight specific slots. Free spins can be unlocked with a qualifying deposit or awarded as a No Deposit deal. Each spin has a fixed value, and you cannot increase the stake per spin.

Winnings generated from free spins are usually credited as bonus funds. Before you can withdraw these profits, you must wager the bonus amount a set number of times. After completing the requirements, you may cash out all winnings, although some casinos impose a withdrawal cap.

Portugal Taking Extra Measures to Ensure Properly Regulated Online Gambling

Because offshore brands and Portuguese players faced no legal consequences, unregulated online casino gambling was once common in the country. That changed when the Legal Regime for The Operation of Games of Chance in Casinos became law in 2015, legalizing online casino gaming and sports betting in Portugal. Since then, only licensed casino and sportsbook websites may legally operate in the market. To reinforce these rules, the Portuguese government has directed local ISPs to block access to unlicensed gaming sites.

In the third quarter of 2022 alone, the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) ordered ISPs to block 63 websites that were operating illegally in Portugal, while another 60 operators were forced to cease operations. The regulator also took legal action against one illegal operator and strengthened player-protection measures by banning 130 online videos advertising unauthorized gambling platforms.

Major Brands Leave Portuguese iGaming Market due to High Tax Rates

Although Portugal legalized online casino gambling and banned wagers at unlicensed brands, Portuguese players who place bets on unregulated casino websites still face no legal consequences. Despite the industry’s liberalization, Portugal is often criticized for the high taxes levied on licensed gambling operators. Such elevated rates are common across the EU, where gambling taxes are frequently substantial.

Despite the regulatory framework, many major gambling brands have exited the Portuguese market. Sky-high tax obligations prompted renowned names like William Hill, Party Poker, and PKR to cease operations in the country.

Online Casino Licensing and Growth of Industry

Brands wishing to provide online casino services to Portuguese players must obtain a license issued by the SRIJ. This license covers a variety of casino products, including baccarat, punto banco, French banque, blackjack, slot machines, poker tournaments, poker variants such as Omaha, Hold’em, and Synthetic, as well as Caribbean, American, and French roulette.

Record figures from the third quarter of 2022 highlight the rapid growth of Portugal’s online gambling sector. Online casinos contributed significantly, generating €89.8 million in revenue, surpassing the €81.8 million recorded in the second quarter and marking a 38.5% year-over-year increase.