Poker in Portugal is on the rise despite its “Rocky Start.” In February of 2016, the Macau Daily Times reported the closure of more than 80 online websites offering games of chances “Poker.” The cause behind the commotion was a new regulation under implementation that indicated “only sites holding a legal operation’s license can offer online gaming services!” It resulted in emigration by poker players to the nearest countries offering poker. Despite the precarious situation that providers and players face, poker remains a popular game in the country with the formation of the “Portuguese Poker Tour” and the regular stops by the “European Poker Tour” in Villamoura. Rise of Online Poker in Portugal The population in Portugal tallies to about 10 million. However, the country only has around 9 or 10 land-based casinos to serve the population. Out of the 10, only five offer poker rooms for players. The figures do not represent the actual market that Portugal can exploit through additional poker rooms. However, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos remains adamant and continues to enforce strict measures against unlicensed gambling sites. As a result, the governing body legalized and introduced online poker and gambling in Portugal. The regulators termed the new online gambling rules as a “regulatory scheme”. Therefore, the country suggested reviewing other European nations and their takes on online poker and gambling. The results to be included in the regulations were “Player Compliance,” giving players a chance to choose while limiting access to […]
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