Local Competition Arises for Five Upcoming Portuguese Casino Permits
In an exciting development for the gaming industry, Portugal is set to award five new casino licenses in the regions of Algarve, Espinho, and Póvoa de Varzim. Each of these areas will host one casino license respectively.
The eligibility requirements for these bids are stringent. Bidders must be qualified operators with a strong track record in land-based gaming, specifically demonstrating a verifiable five-year history of managing games of chance and demonstrating success in the past two years.
The licenses are granted for 15 years and winners must make significant financial commitments. This includes an annual fixed fee, a percentage of gross gaming revenue (GGR) as a variable fee, a minimum variable fee proposed by the bidder, and an upfront one-time license fee. The fees vary for each region: €31 million for Algarve, €36 million for Espinho, and €33.7 million for Póvoa de Varzim.
The assessment methodology takes into consideration numerous criteria, with the license awards based on a weighted multi-factor model. This model scores 35% on annual fixed fee, 50% on variable GGR percentage, and 15% on minimum variable fee, with the highest bid winning.
Interestingly, the license for Póvoa de Varzim is currently owned by Estoril Sol. Previous license holders may need to vacate their licenses if they fail the bid but retain the operational rights.
The deadline for applicants to submit their final drafts is September 2, 2025. For the Barlavento area in Algarve, the winner must supply the casino premises.
In summary, bidders must have proven experience of at least five years in land-based gaming operations and meet substantial financial requirements in a competitive bidding process evaluated by a multi-criteria financial model. The deadline to submit applications is September 5, 2025.
- The casino industry in Portugal is undergoing a significant transformation, with the addition of five new casinos in the regions of Algarve, Espinho, and Póvoa de Varzim, each awarding one license respectively.
- To secure one of these licenses, bidders must demonstrate a verifiable five-year history in land-based gaming operations, specifically managing games of chance, and show success in the past two years.
- The winning bidders will be obliged to make substantial financial commitments, including an annual fixed fee, a percentage of gross gaming revenue (GGR) as a variable fee, a minimum variable fee proposed by the bidder, and an upfront one-time license fee, with amounts varying for each region.
- The assessment methodology favors bidders who can offer competitive financial packages while maintaining a balance between the annual fixed fee, variable GGR percentage, and minimum variable fee, with the highest bid ultimately securing the license.
