Portugal sees 81.9% increase in online gambling revenue

The Portuguese regulator has reported revenue of €125m for the second quarter.

Portugal.- The national regulator Serviço de Regulação Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) has reported that online gambling revenue continued to rise in the second quarter, up 81.9 per cent year-on-year to €125m.

The growth was driven by a 224.5 per cent rise in sports betting revenue, from €20.8m to €67.5m, thanks to a complete sports calendar in 2021. However, revenue was down slightly from a record €128.3m in the first quarter of this year.

Sports betting stakes rose 236.2 per cent to €304.9m, partly thanks to Euro 2020. Football remained the most popular sport, accounting for 77.5 per cent of all online sports bets. It was followed by tennis (9.6 per cent) and basketball (8.7 per cent).

Meanwhile, online casino revenue rose 20 per cent to €57.5m, with stakes up 25.2 per cent year-on-year to €1.65bn. Slots were the most popular option, making up 76 per cent of all casino bets. That was followed by roulette (10.1 per cent) and blackjack (5.4 per cent).

Some 151,900 new players registered for online gambling accounts in Q2, while 93,600 people were self-excluding by the end of the three months, up significantly from 56,600 a year ago.

Retail gambling revenue up 166.7%

Retail gambling revenue also rose to €30.6m, up 166.7 per cent from Q2 2020, when all retail venues were closed during most of the quarter due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The majority of retail revenue came from gaming machines, up 159 per cent to €24.6m. American roulette was the most popular non-machine retail gambling option, generating €1.5m in revenue. It was followed by baccarat (€883,170) and blackjack (€775,530).

Casinos and bingo halls in all areas of Portugal were allowed to reopen last month. Customers need to present a vaccination certificate or negative Covid-19 test to enter.

See also: Online gaming in Portugal sees record revenue in Q4 2020