How Both Sides of the Atlantic’s Regulated Online Gambling Markets Are Expanding
In two different parts of the world, iGaming is growing. Since 2015, Portugal’s market has developed under a national licensing system. The industry is changing much more quickly in the US thanks to a state-by-state rollout.
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The similarities and differences between these two locations provide a helpful perspective on the future of regulated gambling for anyone interested in Portugal’s online economy.
Portugal’s Consistent Growth
Portugal has taken a careful approach to regulating iGaming. All operators’ licenses are controlled by the Servição de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), which requires thorough adherence to anti-money-laundering measures, responsible gambling tools, and ID verification. Furthermore, the outcomes speak for themselves, as Portugal’s online gambling industry brought in €284.7 million in Q1 of 2025, up 9.1% from the same time compared to the previous year. Nearly 60% of all online gambling revenue comes from casino games, especially slot games, which continue to promote expansion.
By the end of that quarter, 4.8 million player accounts had been registered, setting new records for player registration. Above all else, the regulator has not acted in an inactive way. Several unlicensed platforms have been shut down by the SRIJ, which is also stepping up its monitoring by blocking illegal websites and sending closure notifications to operators who do not adhere to the licensing structure.
The United States is catching up
The United States has followed a separate but not less active course across the Atlantic. State legislatures have acted quickly to legalize internet gambling within their jurisdictions since the Supreme Court lifted the federal sports betting ban in 2018. New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are among the states where regulated online casino platforms currently function, and additional states are likely to follow.
The variety of promotions accessible to customers shows the size of the American market, which is far larger. Licensed casinos actively compete for new players with everything – from deposit match bonuses to no-deposit sign-up deals. Openness regarding reward terms is one of the main areas in which regulated markets have significantly improved.
Portugal and the US market share a pattern when it comes to player protection and licensing. Although each state’s regulating authority establishes its own regulations, all states have one thing in common: users can only legally purchase games from licensed operators. This is similar to Portugal’s need for a controlled market where customers are aware of their competitors.
The Importance of Responsible Gambling
A growing focus on safe play has been associated with the expansion of internet gambling in both nations. Over 309,000 people choose to self-exclude from iGaming platforms, according to Portugal’s Q1 2025 data, a 31% rise from the previous year. To guarantee that operators offer full protection for vulnerable players, the SRIJ has maximized its measures for building regulatory frameworks. On the other hand, licensed platforms in the US must provide self-exclusion mechanisms, cooling-off periods, and deposit limitations. Several states have gone so far as to fund public education campaigns about problem gambling and put limitations on advertising.
Impacts on Portugal
The expansion of regulated internet gambling offers Portugal both financial potential and regulatory accountability. In addition to producing tax income and jobs, the industry is positioning itself as a reliable model for other European countries thinking about their own licensing systems. At the same time, the American market’s history shows how quickly a regulated industry may grow once the necessary legal framework is in place. Portugal has an advantage due to its early start, but long-term progress and public trust will depend on keeping strict regulations.
The discussion over online gambling is changing from whether it should be regulated to how regulation may benefit both players and society as a whole, as both industries continue to develop. Portugal is in a strong position to continue participating in that discussion, given its history of steady revenue growth and rising player engagement.
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Source: theportugalnews.com
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