Portugal Introduces Centralised Self-Exclusion Platform for Online Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) –   Portugal’s Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) has launched a unified online self-exclusion platform for online gambling, which will be operational from 8 April 2026.

This new portal aims to enhance player protection by enabling individuals, and third parties acting on their behalf, to temporarily suspend or permanently block their access to all licensed online gaming and betting websites operating in Portugal.

The online self-exclusion system consolidates previously separate procedures into a single, user-friendly interface that is optimized for mobile devices.

SRIJ highlighted that the portal is designed for ease of use and speed, anticipating the growing number of players who access gambling services via smartphones and tablets.

The process will allow self-exclusion requests to be made by individuals themselves, as well as by third parties acting on behalf of those deemed at risk. These exclusion measures will be applied across all licensed online gambling operators in Portugal, thereby reducing the potential for players to circumvent bans by switching between sites.

Furthermore, the platform is intended to offer a mobile-friendly user experience, encouraging more vulnerable users to utilize self-exclusion options.

The introduction of this platform coincides with the rapid expansion of Portugal’s online gambling sector. The country’s revenue in this area appears to be increasing. The SRIJ recently reported that Q3 2025 generated €297.1 million ($346.5 million) in gross digital gaming revenue, marking the second-highest quarterly amount on record. This contrasts with a 4.6% year-on-year decline in earnings from land-based casinos.

Implementing self-exclusion globally 

Centralised self-exclusion mechanisms are becoming increasingly common worldwide, though their scope and effectiveness vary by country.

Brazil introduced its own centralised system in December 2025. While authorised operators were previously required to offer players the option to self-exclude, the new centralised system allows bettors to block themselves from registering on all licensed sites.

Russia implemented its self-exclusion system for gamblers in September of last year. The country’s gambling industry largely supported this launch, which prevents players from revoking their exclusion for the first 12 months.

Self-exclusion has proven to be a popular framework within the gambling industry. In the second half of 2025, Gamstop, the UK’s national self-exclusion register, recorded a 40% increase in registrations from consumers aged 16-24. Gamstop also provides an auto-renewal service, which offers a de facto lifetime block, with exclusion only ending when a user opts out of auto-renewal.

“The rise in take-up of our auto-renewal option, in particular, shows that many consumers are seeking longer-term support and recognise the value of self-exclusion in helping them manage their gambling,” stated Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop Group.

Germany also reported a significant increase in self-exclusion participants, with nearly 350,000 registrations in OASIS, the country’s central gambling self-exclusion system, within its first four years of operation.