Gambling has become an integral part of entertainment for many residents and visitors to Portugal. But the bright spots hide serious problems.
The country's leading gambling trade body has published a report that says there is an "immediate threat to user safety". The study found that Portugal is failing to tackle illegal operators who put users at risk.
What the study shows
The annual study of the "Portuguese Association of Online Gambling and Betting" (APAJO) revealed the following statistics: 41% of all players in Portugal prefer unlicensed gambling platforms. Interestingly, this percentage reaches 52.1% among young people aged between 18 and 34. The main reason for the choice is hidden in the attractive bonuses and favorable odds that illegal operator sites offer their users.
According to the study, users are often lured by the promise of bonuses and better odds, ignoring the inherent risks of using unlicensed platforms. These platforms operate outside of government regulation, making them a haven for unscrupulous operators. This creates a perilous environment for users, who are putting their money and personal data at risk. While those using legal platforms prioritize security (61.3%) and customer support (37.3%), users of unlicensed sites are risking their financial well-being.
The study also revealed that users of illegal betting sites in Portugal place larger bets than their peers who prefer licensed platforms. According to the data, 71.5% of the participants surveyed said they spend a maximum of €50 per month, with the majority limiting themselves to less than €25. However, among those who only use licensed operators, 77.6% of players fit within the limit of less than €50.
The popularity of gambling in Portugal
Over the last year, the iGaming market has seen an upswing and an increase in the number of users. In most cases, people are attracted by the top operators from the local search engine rendition. Our authors researched this rendition and found out that the most sought-after is Pin Up, 1win, or Mostbet, which offers the largest number of different bonuses.
Welcome bonuses are an additional incentive to attract new users, as they allow newcomers to increase their gaming opportunities even with small budgets. To get these bonuses, go to Promocodemostbet.com, find the promo code, and use it when registering. After that, it will remain to replenish the balance and get a welcome gift.
In addition, virtual gambling establishments attract users with a wide variety of games. Thousands of slots, roulette, arcades, games with live dealers, and sports betting can all be accessed directly from your phone. It would be not easy to find such a variety even in the largest land-based casinos in the world.
It's no surprise that mobile gambling has gained popularity not only in Portugal but also in many other countries. With such a large market, it's crucial for governments to establish control. The Portuguese government introduced a law in 2015, but it's clear that this law needs to be updated to keep pace with the evolving market and ensure user safety.
