iGaming Compliance: How to Get the Gaming License in Portugal

Portugal has rapidly become one of Europe’s most attractive iGaming markets. With a passionate sports culture and a tech-savvy population, the revenue potential is immense. However, the barrier to entry is notoriously high. The Portuguese regulatory framework is rigorous, demanding absolute precision in technical, financial, and legal compliance.

Consuflix helps clients with Legal and Compliance matters, and we can help you to navigate the complex licensing process of the SRIJ, ensuring your iGaming operation is fully compliant and ready for launch.

The Regulatory Authority: Understanding the SRIJ

In Portugal, the online gambling sector is governed by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ). Unlike some offshore jurisdictions where a license is merely a "pay-to-play" formality, the SRIJ enforces strict standards established under Decree-Law No. 66/2015.

The goal of the regulator seems to be filtering out financially unstable or technically insecure operators. For a business, this means that obtaining a license is not just an administrative task—it is a comprehensive audit of your entire operational structure.

The Three Pillars of Compliance

To secure a license, an operator must demonstrate significantly more than just a working website. The approval process hinges on three critical pillars:

1. Corporate and Financial Suitability

The SRIJ requires transparency regarding the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) and the financial health of the company.

• Structure: You must generally operate as a Public Limited Company (S.A.) or equivalent, with a registered office within the EU/EEA.

• Solvency: You must prove "economic and financial capacity" to ensure payouts to players are guaranteed. This often involves significant security deposits.

2. Technical "Homologation" (Certification)

This is often the bottleneck where unassisted applications fail. Your technical gaming system (software, platform, and RNG) must be certified by independent entities recognized by the SRIJ.

• Data Replication: You must set up a "safe" (data vault) that replicates all transaction data to the SRIJ in real-time.

• Security: The architecture must be bulletproof against cyber threats and fraud.

3. Responsible Gambling and AML

Portugal takes player protection seriously. Your platform must have integrated mechanisms, including:

• Self-exclusion: Allowing players to block themselves instantly.

• Identity Verification (KYC): Strict validation of player identity against government databases.

• AML Protocols: Robust Anti-Money Laundering procedures to detect suspicious betting patterns.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

The Portuguese market operates on a specific tax regime—variable rates for sports betting (turnover-based) and fixed rates for casino games (GGR-based).

Attempting to enter the market without a full understanding of these fiscal obligations, or failing to adhere to the RJO (Regime Jurídico dos Jogos e Apostas Online), can lead to severe consequences.

The SRIJ actively blocks unlicensed IPs and imposes heavy fines on operators who fail to meet ongoing reporting standards.

Obtaining a Portugal Gaming License is a marathon, not a sprint. The documentation required is voluminous, and the technical specifications are rigid. A simple error in your Technical System Description or a gap in your AML Policy can result in months of delays or a flat rejection.

Successful operators do not leave this to chance. Bear in mind that you will face a respected and active regulator in the Portuguese Market, so your brand success depends on the right support.

Conclusion

The Portuguese iGaming license is a gold standard asset that builds immediate trust with users and other companies. However, securing it requires a strategy that bridges the gap between legal requirements and technical reality.

Consuflix helps clients with Legal and Compliance matters, and we can help you to manage your entire licensing application—from corporate structuring to technical homologation — so you can focus on building your brand.