Portugal Gambling Tax: Complete Guide for Bettors (2026)

Portugal's Gambling Tax System

Portugal has a regulated gambling market with specific tax rules. The treatment depends on whether you're playing with SRIJ-licensed operators and the type of gambling involved.

The short version:

• Licensed online gambling: Generally tax-free for players
• Lottery winnings: Tax-free up to certain thresholds
• Unlicensed gambling: Legally prohibited and potentially taxable

The SRIJ Licensing System

SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos) is Portugal's gambling regulator, operating under the Turismo de Portugal umbrella.

Since 2015, Portugal has licensed online gambling operators under a strict regime. Licensed operators include:

• Betano
• Betclic
• Bet.pt
• Solverde
• ESC Online
• And others

Why licensing matters: Playing with SRIJ-licensed operators ensures:

• Legal gambling
• Consumer protection
• Clear tax treatment
• Dispute resolution

Identifying licensed operators:

• Look for the SRIJ license logo
• Portuguese .pt domains
• Listed on the SRIJ website

Tax Treatment for Licensed Online Gambling

For recreational players using SRIJ-licensed platforms, gambling winnings are generally not subject to personal income tax (IRS).

The regulatory framework places the tax burden on operators through:

Imposto Especial de Jogo Online (IEJO):

• Sports betting: 8% on gross gaming revenue
• Other games: 15-30% depending on type

Because operators pay substantial taxes, Portugal doesn't pursue individual recreational players for additional taxation on winnings.

For players:

• No tax declaration required for gambling winnings
• Winnings don't appear on your IRS (income tax) return
• No withholding at the operator level

Lottery: Santa Casa da Misericórdia

Portugal's national lottery is operated by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa under exclusive rights.

Products include:

• Totoloto
• Euromilhões (EuroMillions)
• Lotaria Nacional
• Raspadinhas (scratch cards)
• Placard (sports betting through lottery network)

Tax treatment: Lottery winnings are subject to Imposto do Selo (stamp duty) above certain thresholds:

Example: €100,000 Euromilhões prize

• First €5,000: Tax-free
• Remaining €95,000: Taxed at 20% = €19,000
• Net prize: €81,000

This tax is withheld automatically before you receive your prize.

Casino Gambling

Portugal has several land-based casinos, including:

• Casino Lisboa
• Casino Estoril
• Casino da Póvoa
• Casino Algarve (Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha)

Tax treatment: Casino winnings are generally tax-free for players. The casinos themselves pay significant taxes and license fees.

For large wins, casinos may require identification for anti-money laundering purposes, but this isn't taxation.

Online vs Offline Tax Treatment

Placard Sports Betting

Placard is the sports betting product offered through Santa Casa's network (available at lottery outlets across Portugal).

Tax treatment: Similar to other lottery products, winnings may be subject to stamp duty above €5,000. This differs from private online bookmakers where winnings are tax-free.

If you're betting significant amounts, private SRIJ-licensed bookmakers may offer better tax treatment than Placard.

Poker in Portugal

Portugal's poker market is interesting:

Shared liquidity: Since 2017, Portugal has shared online poker liquidity with France and Spain. Portuguese players on sites like PokerStars.pt can play against French and Spanish players.

Tax treatment: Recreational poker winnings from licensed sites are tax-free. The professional gambler question (below) could theoretically apply to consistent winners.

Live poker: Available at casinos. Winnings are tax-free.

Professional Gamblers

Portuguese tax law doesn't have a specific category for professional gamblers. However, if gambling constitutes a business activity, it could theoretically be subject to income tax.

Factors that might trigger professional status:

• Gambling as primary occupation
• Systematic, business-like approach
• Consistent substantial profits
• No other significant income

Practical reality: There's limited precedent for taxing professional gamblers in Portugal. The regulatory system focuses on operator taxation.

If you're making a living from gambling, consult a Portuguese tax advisor (fiscalista) for specific guidance.

Non-Residents Gambling in Portugal

If you visit Portugal and gamble:

• Casino winnings: Tax-free
• Online gambling: Should use SRIJ-licensed sites
• Lottery: Same stamp duty rules apply

You remain subject to your home country's tax rules.

Portuguese Residents Gambling Abroad

Portuguese tax residents have worldwide tax obligations. However:

Within the EU: Using operators licensed elsewhere in the EU is legally gray but common. Tax treatment would follow Portuguese principles (generally tax-free for recreational play).

In the US: American casinos withhold 30% from Portuguese winners' prizes above thresholds. Portugal has a tax treaty with the US that may help with recovery.

Using unlicensed sites: Illegal in Portugal. Beyond legal risks, tax treatment becomes unclear.

Reporting Requirements

Recreational gamblers:

• No IRS (income tax) reporting for gambling winnings
• Lottery wins above €5,000 have stamp duty withheld automatically
• No additional declarations needed

Professional gamblers:

• Potentially reportable as business income (Categoria B)
• Consult a tax professional

Anti-money laundering: Large gambling wins may trigger bank inquiries. Keep documentation of significant wins from operators.

The IVA (VAT) Question

Portuguese VAT (IVA) doesn't apply to gambling winnings. Gambling services have specific VAT exemptions under EU law.

This is relevant for operators, not individual players.

Cryptocurrency Gambling

Portugal has historically been crypto-friendly, though regulations are evolving.

Gambling aspect: Crypto gambling on licensed sites would follow normal rules.

Crypto conversion: Converting gambling winnings from/to crypto may have capital gains implications. Portugal's crypto tax rules have been in flux, so check current guidance.

Common Questions

Do I pay tax on sports betting winnings in Portugal?

From SRIJ-licensed operators, no. Winnings are tax-free.

What about lottery winnings?

Tax-free up to €5,000. Above that, 20% stamp duty applies (withheld automatically).

Do I need to declare gambling to the tax authority?

Recreational players: No. Winnings aren't reported on IRS returns.

Can I use international betting sites?

Only SRIJ-licensed operators are legal. Using unlicensed sites is prohibited.

What if I gamble at casinos in other countries?

Winnings from foreign casinos are generally tax-free for recreational play, but you should use licensed venues and be aware of local rules.

Comparison to Other Countries

Portugal's system is more favorable than Spain's for sports bettors but less favorable for large lottery winners compared to the UK.

Key Takeaways

• Recreational gambling winnings from SRIJ-licensed sites are tax-free
• Lottery prizes above €5,000 are subject to 20% stamp duty
• Casino winnings are tax-free
• Only use SRIJ-licensed operators for legal protection
• No IRS reporting required for recreational gambling
• Placard (lottery sports betting) may have worse tax treatment than private bookmakers
• Professional gamblers face unclear but potentially taxable status
• Portugal has shared poker liquidity with France and Spain

Sources:

• SRIJ - Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos
• Portal das Finanças
• Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa