Portugal Land-Based Casino Opportunity: Tenders Launched for Three Gaming Licenses 
Expert Insight provided by Rui Pinto Proenca, Partner and Francisco Sa da Bandeira, MdME

On 24 July 2025, the Portuguese Government announced the launch of public tenders to award licenses for the exclusive operation of casinos in the gaming areas of Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim. The tender will award three 15-years license to operate a total of 5 land-based casinos. In this client update, MdME provide a summary of the key terms of the new licenses, as well as the tender process and requirements.

Key Facts 

• On 24 July 2025, the Portuguese Government announced the launch of public tenders to award licenses for the exclusive operation of casinos in the gaming areas of Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim. 
• For each of these areas, the existing operating license will lapse at the end of 2025. The Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim areas currently comprise one casino each, whereas the Algarve gaming area comprises three: Vilamoura, Monte Gordo and Barlavento. 

The New Licenses 

• The licenses awarded will include the right to use the existing casino premises and equipment throughout their term, with the sole exception of Barlavento. In this case, the casino premises will need to be supplied by the winner of the Algarve license. 
• The licenses will be awarded for a period of 15 years from the date on which the respective concession agreement is signed. 

The full legal update can be downloaded here.