Portugal Online Gambling Market Hits Record €323m For 2024 Q4
The latest figures for Q4 2024 reveal an impressive trajectory for the online gambling market in Portugal, achieving an unprecedented record high by the year’s end.
Portugal’s Online Gambling Market Hits New Heights: €323 Million in Q4
Recent trends across Europe showcase a robust growth in online sports betting, with Portugal emerging as a noteworthy player. The country’s gambling sector has reported a remarkable quarter, netting €323 million in Q4 2024, according to a recent announcement from the Gambling Regulation and Inspection Service (SGRI).
This figure reflects a substantial 42.1% increase year-over-year, predominantly driven by a surge in both the gaming and sports betting arenas. The influx of betting partnerships with top-tier football clubs, numbering nearly 300, has substantially bolstered sector growth. Notably, every Premier League team and various Dutch Eredivisie clubs have engaged in at least one betting-related sponsorship.
In Portugal, Betano leads the charge by sponsoring esteemed clubs such as Benfica and Porto, while BetClic has committed to backing Liga Portugal through 2027. These strategic partnerships are pivotal, facilitating robust growth in both sports betting and online casino activities.
Breakdown of Q4 Growth: Sports Betting vs. Casino Revenue
The total increase of €323 million is categorized into €184.6 million from online casinos—including popular games like slots and roulette—and €138.3 million from sports betting. The casino sector witnessed a 20% annual growth, underscoring its significance in the overall market expansion.
Surge in Online Sports Betting Registrations
Accompanying this record revenue has been a significant rise in player registrations, with approximately 302,000 new accounts established in the last quarter of 2024. This surge positions Portugal with an impressive total of 4.72 million registered players as we step into 2025, with expectations for continued growth.
Out of these players, around 1.23 million made at least one wager, reflecting a 12% increase compared to the end of 2023, showcasing the escalating popularity of online betting among Portuguese citizens.
Football Betting: The Dominant Force in Portugal
Football betting remains the cornerstone of the online wagering landscape in Portugal, constituting an astounding 75% of the market share. While the Primeira Liga captures significant attention, bettors are also keenly interested in major international competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League, where many renowned Portuguese players compete.
Online Slots: Leading the Gaming Sector
Diving deeper into the gaming sector, the casino segment—totaling €184.6 million in Q4—saw online slots emerge as the standout performer, commanding over 80% of the market share. The integration of responsible gambling tools has grown, with more than 292,000 players opting for self-exclusion, marking a 36% increase from the previous quarter in 2023.
Land-Based Gambling Continues to Grow, Despite Online Dominance
While the online gaming sector thrives, land-based gambling establishments in Portugal have also experienced modest growth. Revenue from physical betting reached €72.6 million, signifying a 12.5% year-over-year increase, although it fell short by 4.3% compared to Q3 figures.
In the land-based segment, slot machines have proven particularly lucrative, generating €53.9 million, while casino games and bingo contributed €18.8 million—an impressive 36.9% increase year-over-year. Notably, American roulette has carved out a niche as the highest-earning table game in Q4, accounting for €6.9 million of the total casino revenue.
As we progress into 2025, the Portuguese gambling landscape remains vibrant, marked by rapid evolution and robust growth across both online and traditional sectors.
With over 20 years of experience in the betting and gambling industry, Andy Newton stands out as a reputable journalist, particularly recognized for his insights in horse racing and sports betting.
