Best Betting Sites in Portugal

Where to bet safely in Portugal and which online bookmakers to join?

Examine the bookmakers listed in the table below to see which betting sites enjoy leading positions among Portuguese players. Get to know more about the welcome bonus each brand has in store for its customers. Read on if you are curious about the gambling market in Portugal.

Best Bookies in Portugal Ranked

1. Betano – Best bookmaker in Portugal for 2024
2. Betway – Most varied promotions for Portugese punters
3. 22bet – Top-notch sbook with competitive prices
4. 1xBet – Globally recognised betting brand
5. Cbet – Top platform for eSports bets
6. FortuneJack – Best crypto betting site in Portugal
7. Betwinner – Ideal for mobile betting via apps or mobile version

Portugal’s Top Bookmakers

Portuguese players look for international bookmakers to place bets for fun or real money. The gambling industry in Portugal is limited to only 11 gambling sites, and thus they tend to sign up mostly with offshore sites. These sites offer impressive betting odds, improved bonus systems, high range of games, among other impressive features. The international booking sites available for Portuguese players include 22bet, Betano, and Betway Portugal among others.

Betano

Silentbet’s #1 pick for the best betting site in Portugal for 2024 is Betano. This is a brand that is well known in Europe and in Brazil. Betano delivers both quality and quantity when it comes to sports betting and casino games. They offer unique features that are hard to find on other bookmaker sites. Plus, Betano for Portugal has very unique bonus campaigns every punter is sure to appreciate.

Betway

Portuguese players love quality bookmakers and Betway is one of the trusted foreign bookies in Portugal. It is also a recognized brand in the world. They offer their services in many languages, Portuguese being one of them.

The odds and betting limits are quite high, and for this, professional players prefer playing with them. They have a very interesting sports betting category with a wide range of games for players to choose from.

22bet

This online bookmaker was founded in 2017. Through the two years, the bookie has been in operation; it has gained utmost trust from players. Portuguese players enjoy their online casino and bookmaker primarily because of the generous 22Bet bonuses and the range of features and options.

They offer their services in over 50 languages with the Portuguese language being included. They offer high odds and betting limits.

1xBet

Unlike the other brands on our list of the best betting sites in Portugal, 1xBet is an unlikely fit. Despite having European origins, this bookie is more popular today in Africa and Asia. Still, 1xBet enjoys a loyal fan base in Portugal and that is why the bookie made it to our chart. The platform has a variety of betting products, some very unique ones as well. Be sure to browse their many sections and pay attention to the Promo Code Store.

Cbet

If you prefer eSports betting to any other form of wagering online, consider Cbet as your next pick in Portugal. This bookmaker focuses on eSports but it also houses a great fixed-odds sportsbook and a top-notch online casino. Promotions at Cbet are quite generous and they all come with uncomplicated terms.

FortuneJack

In recent years, crypto payments have been all the rage. This tendency overtook the betting world by storm and many crypto betting sites appeared. One such example is the bookmaker FortuneJack that allows registrations from Portugal. This is a crypto bookie that you can trust 100%. Verified and tested by Silentbet, FortuneJack offers BTC betting and bonuses.

Betwinner

At the end of our best-betting-sites-in-Portugal list we have included Betwinner as an entry. This betting operator is on par with the likes of 22bet and 1xBet. What makes Betwinner different, though, is its unique take on sports markets. You will find niche future bets here as well as many Specials. Betting bonuses will also appeal to new and seasoned players.

What to consider when choosing a Betting Site in Portugal?

There are plenty of bookmakers for Portuguese players to choose from. Due to this, it becomes quite difficult for players to make the right choice on the bookmaker they want to place their bets from. There are plenty of factors to consider before deciding on the bookie they want to play from.

• The bonuses and promotions
  The promotions and bonuses should be a guiding ground on the bookmaker you want to place your bets from. There are promotions pages displayed on most bookmakers websites where the latest bonuses and promotions are displayed.
• The Payment options
  Banking methods offered by the bookies should be those supporting Portuguese players. They should look out for banking options such as Visa, Mastercard should be available. Portuguese players mostly use Euro currency, and this should also be supported by the bookie they decide to place bets with.
• Reliability
  The bookie should be reliable and trustworthy. Customer reviews offered by other clients should be put into consideration, read all complaints brought forth by other customers to decide whether you want to take your chance or not.
• Licensing
  As a Portuguese player, choose an online bookie that is licensed by a brand that is well trusted. The licensing certificate should be placed at the bottom of the casino website. If this license is not available, please stay away from this bookie.
• Bookie’s reputation
  This should be among the topmost priorities that a player should consider before placing your bet with any bookmaker. A reputable bookmaker will not give you problems down in the near future. Visit trusted review sites to help you decide on the bookmaker you wish to sign up with.

Betting in Portugal – Trivia

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Population: 10,310,000
• Active Players: 2,100,000
• Designated Authority: Portuguese Gambling Regulatory Authority
• Regulated Gambling Products: casino games, poker, raffles, horse racing, lotteries, and sports betting
• Types of Operators: land-based bookies and casinos, Online Casinos, Totalisator & fixed-odds sports betting

Did you know that?

• In 2018 the online gambling industry generated revenue worth €152.1 million
• Gambling revenue in Portugal increased by 24% in 2018
• Average Portuguese punter spends about 2.4% of their annual income on betting
• About 68% of Portuguese putters prefer to play on foreign operators that aren’t licensed
• Bookies are taxed between 8-16% of their turnover

Gambling in Portugal

When compared to other European countries, gambling laws in Portugal are more relaxed. The Portuguese government has embraced gambling activities in the country since it is a major source of income generation for the country. Portugal is a tourist destination and among the factors that drive tourists to the country are gambling activities. Well, gambling in Portugal goes back to the 20th century when the third president of the country, Bernardino Luis made a step in starting the construction of a gambling site in Estoril. This was on January 16, 1916.

Estoril gambling site was the biggest achievement in the European territories, especially during World War II when spies from a number of countries met, ate and also engaged in gambling activities in Estoril. It was also an inspiration for the construction of other great gambling sites like Casino Royale, which was developed by Ian Fleming. To date, Estoril gambling site remains one of the biggest gambling centres in Portugal.

Constructions of gaming sites did not end with Estoril; in 1930 there was the construction of the second gaming site known as Casino da Pὸvoa de Varzim. The construction of this gaming site ended in 1934, and it was first introduced to the country as a beach resort. On December 3, 1929, the legalization of gaming in Portugal was done when the Decree-Law No. 14, 643 was approved.

Is gambling in Portugal legal?

Gambling in Portugal is entirely legal. The road to legalization of gambling activities in Portugal started on December 3, 1929. In this year the Decree-Law No. 14,643 was approved. This law led to the creation of Conselho de Administraḉᾶo de Jogos. This was tasked with the mandate of regulating and inspecting all activities and also gambling facilities in Portugal. This Decree-law was later amended on March 1958 and 1959 respectively. However, amendments to gambling laws did not end during these years but continued for a long time after.

It was during December 29, 2011, when SRIJ Service was enacted. This Service is still used in Portugal to date and is tasked with overseeing the operation of games of chance such as bingo, lotteries, poker, casino games, slot machine games, pair-mutual sports betting and fixed-odds betting. The Portuguese government offers licenses that allow gambling facilities to run within the country. In 2011 and 2012, there was a Decree-Law that aimed at regulating online gambling in the country. This Decree-Law was, however, declined.

During 2011/ 2012 and a few years after, online gambling was illegal in Portugal. There were also other strict laws set up by the Portuguese government, including the fact that the gambling facilities were only allowed to operate in 11 areas and only one bookmaker could operate in the allowed areas. It was on April 29, 2015, when online gambling in Portugal which is known as RJO, was legalized. The legalization fell under the Decree-Law No.66/2015. Before the legalization of online gambling activities, Santa Casa da Misericὸrdia de Lisboa was allowed to operate online gambling in the country.

To date, there have been some major changes in the Portuguese gambling laws but what remains is that online gambling and all other forms of gambling activities are now legal and licensed. The gambling laws are regulated under SRIL.

Do Portuguese Players get restricted by some bookmakers? Why?

There are very few bookmakers in Portugal. Thus, players tend to sign up and place bets on foreign bookmakers. Offshore bookmakers take advantage of the fact that there is a very diverse market in terms of Portuguese players. Portuguese players are rarely restricted by bookmakers, and these bookmakers use various methods to lure them to their gambling sites. This is done by offering players higher odds, improved betting features and options and also improved bonus systems.

However, there are some international bookmakers that are not available to Portuguese players, mainly because of the high taxes imposed on them by SRIJ and also because they do not have an online gambling license.

How much tax do you pay on gambling winnings in Portugal?

Players in Portugal do not have their gambling winnings taxed. This is because most Portuguese players use offshore betting sites, and there are no set guidelines on how taxes should be imposed on their winnings. However, gambling companies are required to pay very high tax rates, making them opt out of the Portuguese gambling market. The taxes imposed include 15-30% of tax on online gambling companies and 8-16% tax of the total revenue generated by sports betting companies.

About the gambling market

The gambling market in Portugal is divided into three categories. These categories include bookies, raffles, lotteries, and sports betting. According to reports in 2018, Football betting sites and slot machine games were among the most preferred gambling activities in Portugal. The online gambling market in Portugal was also shown to have a growth rate of 24%. The online gambling industry was able to generate revenue worth €152.1 million.

There is stiff competition between online bookmakers operating in Portugal. Most of them offer players impressive bonuses and high odds to attract players. These online bookmakers include Casino Luck, Mr. Play, GoWild, Gate 777, and LV Bet.

The most popular betting features and options in Portugal

Betting features and options offered by online bookies make players drawn to their site. Most of these features and options are advancements brought to online bookmakers as a result of technology. They make playing online quite exciting. The betting options and features offered by bookies supporting Portuguese players include;

• Live streaming – 22Bet offer about 20 different sports that are enjoyed by Portuguese players. Live streaming shows the sports being played in real-time. Live streaming goes hand in hand with great statistics and also attractive features. These help players to understand how a certain sport may end up at the end of the match. This feature is also available in other bookies such as 1×Bet, Pinnacle online bookie and others.
• In-play Betting – Just like live streaming, in-play betting shows sports unfold in real-time, and the odds change according to the results displayed. Portuguese players will be able to enjoy NBA matches through this feature. It is available at 22Bet online bookmaker and others.
• Cash-out feature – Most online bookies available to Portuguese players have a cash-out feature allowing players to cancel their bets or withdraw part of their funds before the match they are betting on comes to an end. This feature allows them to have full control of their losses. They can also set aside a small amount of their bet or winning as an open bet to help them last until the end of the game.

Available bonuses for Portuguese Players

Bonuses attract players to an online betting site. Developers of online bookies know this, and they do the best they can to make their bonuses as attractive as possible. They also tend to give terms and conditions that are favourable to their players. Portuguese players choose betting sites that have attractive bonus offers and stake their money on them.

At 22Bet online bookmaker, players will enjoy 100% match up welcome bonus equivalent to £50. There is also an exclusive welcome bonus made available by 1×Bet. Bookmakers such as LSBet are able to offer up to $100 in welcome bonuses. For Portuguese players who enjoy poker, there are great promotions and bonuses at online bookies.

The favourite sports of the Portuguese bettors

Sports are a favourite pass time for Portuguese citizens. They enjoy plenty of sports and also enjoy betting on them. Take, for example, soccer; this is one of the most preferred sport in Portugal. Soccer has been a preferred sport for a very long time and goes back to the 19th century. Portuguese bettors’ place bets on soccer events and Portugal as a country have the best players in Europe.

Futsal is also a common sport in Portugal which is a variation of a soccer game. Portuguese players are proud of this game, and they show support to their best futsal players by placing bets on them. A game of futsal is enjoyed by five players indoors.

Another favourite sport of Portuguese players is known as Rink hockey. They have a very strong Rink hockey team. They also enjoy placing bets as a way of supporting their team. The basketball league is also quite common in Europe. Portuguese bettors place bets on their favourite basketball teams such as Carnide, Sporting Clube de Portugal and S.L. Benfica.

Handball has also been attracting a great audience in Portugal. The game is broadcasted on live television, and they also compete in international handball competitions. Most of the bookmakers allow Portuguese players to place bets on this game on their gaming site. Portuguese players enjoy racing games such as horse racing. They also enjoy motor racing and rallying.

Other games enjoyed by sports fans are golf, volleyball, motor racing and tennis.

Are Online Casinos popular on the market?

Yes. Online bookmakers are very popular in the Portuguese market. It is known that Portuguese players register with online bookies that are unlicensed by their Portuguese government. The online games played at these online gaming sites include Poker, slot machine games, and table games, among others.

Currency and Preferred Payment Methods in Portugal

The most preferred currency method in Portugal is the Euro. This is because it is a member of the European Union. Most of the online bookmaker sites offer the Euro as one of their currency options. There are plenty of payment options available to Portuguese players offered by these bookmaker sites. They use major credit cards such as prepaid cards including EntroPay and Paysafe cards. They also use debit cards and bank transfer methods. In order to join an online bookie, you must check that your preferred method of payment is available.

Bookies with mobile apps for Portuguese customers

Mobile phones are a common thing in Portugal. This makes it quite easy for Portuguese players to place bets online. Most of the online bookies have a mobile app to support their mobile customers. They are available for both iOS and Android users. The mobile apps offer the same features offered by desktop sites such as cash-out bets; they can also deposit and withdraw their funds from their mobile. The bookmakers with mobile apps include 22Bet, Pinnacle, and others.

Final comment

Online betting in Portugal has been embraced quite well in recent years. Most of the best betting sites in Portugal use bonuses, promotions, betting features and options to lure Portuguese players to their site. Online betting sites Portugal are offered through land-based shops and also through multiple online betting sites. To enjoy great winnings and other prizes as a player in Portugal, sign up with the best Portugal betting sites.

FAQs