Portugal Opens Tender for Five Casino Licenses

Public Call for Casino Bids

The Portuguese government launched a public tender on July 24, 2025 for five land‑based casino licences in Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim. Licences will run for 15 years with a possible five‑year extension  .

License Zones and Details

• Algarve: Three licences for Vilamoura, Monte Gordo and Barlavento. Only Barlavento requires a new venue, others use existing infrastructure  .

• Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim: One licence each. Incumbent operators Solverde (Espinho) and Estoril Sol (Póvoa) currently hold these licences  .

Financial Terms and Evaluation

• Upfront licence fee: €31 million (Algarve), €36 million (Espinho), €33.7 million (Póvoa de Varzim)  .

• Evaluation model:

  • 50 % weight: share of gross gaming revenue (GGR) as variable fee

  • 35 % weight: proposed annual fixed fee

  • 15 % weight: minimum variable fee commitment  .

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold a gambling licence for at least five years and demonstrate operational success in the last two years. Financial strength is mandatory  .

Why This Matters for Casino Operators

This tender may mark Portugal’s last major casino licence offering until at least 2032. The Algarve region stands out as a strategic destination for operators due to its premium tourism profile  . Industry experts note the bid design could limit broader tourism-based development unless it evolves to include integrated resort components like hotels and entertainment venues  .