RGA slams “failing” Portuguese online gambling framework
New report shows channelisation rate of just 39% more than two years after the market went live
The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has slammed Portugal’s “failing” online gambling framework, following a new report showing a channelisation rate of just 38%.
The report, commissioned by the RGA and carried out by Eurogroup Consulting, found that 68% of Portuguese players gambling online were using operators not licensed in the country, while only 39% of turnover was being bet with regulated operators.
Respondents said the primary reason for this was the better odds offered by offshore operators.
“This is consistent with the characteristics of the Portuguese market where online sports betting is the most important segment and also the most restricted as a result of the 8% turnover tax,” the RGA noted.
Pierre Tournier, director of government relations at the RGA, said: “The legal regime for online gambling that was adopted in 2015 is clearly failing to combat the unregulated market and change is much needed to make the regulation work.
“We strongly believe that the Portuguese government should follow examples of other European countries that have successfully regulated the sector by adopting a GGR-based tax and waiving some of the restrictions such as the sports catalogue, which would attract more operators in Portugal.”
The Portuguese online gaming market was worth €29.3m during Q3, up 21.5% year-on-year, but still small for a country with 10 million people.
Sports betting revenues stood at €16.3m.