The Portuguese gambling regulator, SRIJ, has officially approved significant amendments to the country’s Gambling Act, a move designed to reshape and modernize the regulated betting market.
The new draft introduces expanded legal frameworks for both sports betting and online slots, bringing Portugal into closer alignment with other European Union jurisdictions where these tools are already standard.
New Sports Betting Tools: Bet Builder and Cash-Out
The updates to Regulation No. 903-A/2015 specifically address fixed-odds sports betting. The revision formally legalizes the “Bet Builder” feature, allowing players to combine related predictions within a single match or across multiple events into one wager.
Furthermore, the regulations now provide a clear legal definition for “Cash-Out.” This tool is defined as an optional mechanism that permits bettors to settle all or part of a wager before the final outcome, albeit at a reduced return. The text also clarifies that odds become binding the moment a bet is accepted, and establishes that any voided selection within a combined bet will be settled at odds of 1.00.
Regulating Slot Mechanics: Buy Bonus and Bet Boost
On the casino side, the amendment to Regulation No. 828/2015 authorizes new gameplay mechanics for online slots, specifically “Buy Bonus” and “Bet Boost” options. However, the regulator has imposed strict player protection limits. The Buy Bonus feature, which allows players to pay for direct entry into a bonus round, is capped at four times the minimum or chosen stake and is limited to two activations per session.
Similarly, the Bet Boost mechanic, which allows players to increase their stake for better odds, cannot exceed 50% of the base bet and is only applicable to wagers of €10 or less. Crucially, players must confirm their choice for each spin.
These changes in the Portuguese Gambling Act will take effect immediately following their publication in the official gazette. The regulator’s decision avoids a major overhaul, meaning the changes were not required to be sent to Brussels for EU technical standard review, expediting their implementation in the local market.
