for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Portugal’s gambling regulator has approved amendments to the Gambling Act that will reshape the country’s betting market.
The draft introduces new slot features and expands the legal framework for sports betting with tools like bet boosts and bet builder. If adopted, the changes will take effect shortly after official publication, marking one of the most significant updates to Portugal’s regulated market in recent years.
The regulator’s decision is designed to modernize the industry and bring Portugal closer in line with other EU nations, where these features are already common.
Bet Builder and Cash-Out added to sports betting rules
Portugal’s gambling regulator has confirmed that the latest amendments do not amount to a major overhaul of the existing framework. Because of that, the changes were not sent to Brussels under the EU’s technical standards directive.
A separate draft has updated Regulation No. 903‑A/2015, which governs online fixed‑odds sports betting. The revision formally brings into law features that some licensed operators were already offering. Among the most notable is the bet builder, which lets players combine related predictions within a single match or across several events.
The regulation also spells out how odds should be calculated and winnings determined. Cash‑out is now defined as an optional tool, giving bettors the chance to settle part or all of a wager before the final outcome, though at a reduced return.
The rules further explain when bets must be voided and make clear that odds become binding the moment a bet is accepted. For multiple, combined, or personalized bets, any selection that is voided will be settled at odds of 1.00.
Fresh game mechanics approved for online slots
The SRIJ has also cleared the way for new slot features, adding mechanics that have already become standard in other European markets.
The amendment to Regulation No. 828/2015 introduces buy bonus and bet boost options, both designed to expand gameplay while keeping strict limits in place.
The buy bonus feature lets players pay for direct entry into a bonus round, either before the first spin or during play. To prevent misuse, the rules cap the cost at four times the minimum or chosen stake, and players can only activate it twice in a single session. Each purchase must also be confirmed by the player before it takes effect.
Bet boost works differently, allowing a player to raise the value of a stake in exchange for better odds or higher multipliers. The increase cannot go beyond 50% of the base bet and only applies to wagers of €10 or less. The option must be clearly shown on screen and can be used for no more than four consecutive spins, with confirmation required each time.
Once the regulation is published in the official gazette, it will take effect the following day, making Portugal one of the latest markets to formally adopt these mechanics.
Source: Ace Alliance
