Portugal’s Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) has introduced a centralised online self-exclusion platform for online gambling, effective from 8 April 2026.
The new portal is designed to improve player protection by allowing individuals, and third parties acting on their behalf, to suspend or revoke access to all licensed online gaming and betting sites operating within Portugal.
The online self-exclusion system consolidates previously fragmented processes into a single, easy-to-use interface optimised for mobile devices.
SRIJ emphasised that the portal is intended to be intuitive and quick to use. It intends to cater to the increasing number of players accessing gambling services via smartphones and tablets.
The process will enable self-exclusion requests by individuals as well as third parties acting on behalf of those at risk. It will apply exclusion measures across all licensed online gambling operators in Portugal. This is to reduce the possibility of bypassing bans by switching sites.
In addition, it should provide a mobile-friendly user experience aimed at encouraging greater uptake of self-exclusion among vulnerable users.
The introduction of the platform reflects Portugal’s rapidly expanding online gambling sector. Portugal’s revenue is seemingly on the up. SRIJ recently reported that 2025 Q3 boasted a gross digital gaming revenue of €297.1 million ($346.5 million). This was the second-highest quarterly amount on record. It contrasted with the decline of 4.6% year-on-year for land-based casino earnings.
Implementing self-exclusion globally
Centralised self-exclusion mechanisms are increasingly prevalent across the globe, although their coverage and effectiveness vary by country.
Brazil recently launched its own centralised system in December 2025. Authorised operators were previously mandated to offer players the option to self-exclude, but the centralised system means bettors can make themselves unavailable for registration to all licensed sites.
Russia launched its self-exclusion for gamblers in September of last year. The country’s gambling industry widely supported the launch, which means players are unable to revoke their prohibition within the first 12 months.
Self-exclusion has proven to be a popular framework within the gambling industry. In H2 of 2025, Gamstop, the UK national self-exclusion register, reported a 40% increase in registrations from consumers aged 16-24. Gamstop also offers an auto-renewal service which provides the equivalent of a 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,” said CEO of Gamstop Group, Fiona Palmer.
Germany also reported a spike in self-exclusion participants with almost 350,000 registrations in OASIS, the country’s central gambling self-exclusion system, during its first four years of operations.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
