Portugal has granted temporary casino operating licence extensions across three gaming zones, allowing existing operators to continue operations while the government completes a delayed public tender process for new long-term concessions.
The extensions apply to casinos in the Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim regions, permitting current licence holders to operate for up to 120 days from 1 January 2026, or until new concessionaires take over. The measure was authorized through Decree-Law No. 139-D/2025, approved by the Council of Ministers on 29 December 2025.
The government stated the extensions were necessary to prevent operational disruption while ensuring the tender process follows all required legal procedures.
Background on Contract Extensions
The casino concession contracts were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2023 but received a two-year extension to compensate for COVID-19-related closures and operational restrictions. The extended contracts were set to conclude on 31 December 2025.
Plans to launch new tenders were completed in early 2025, but the process was suspended on 11 March 2025 following parliament’s dissolution and the scheduling of elections for 18 May 2025. During this caretaker period, the government’s authority to issue major public tenders was restricted.
After the XXV Constitutional Government took office on 5 June 2025, it moved forward with the casino licensing process. In July, public tenders for new 15-year concessions covering the three gaming zones were launched.
Tender Process Status
The tenders were structured as restricted procedures with prior qualification and international publicity. Five casino licences are being awarded: three in the Algarve and one each in Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim.
The qualification phase concluded on 29 December 2025, confirming a competitive field of bidders. In addition to incumbent operators, qualified candidates include Spanish groups Cirsa (backed by US fund Blackstone) and Comar, France’s Lucien Barrière group, and Canada’s Mercan.
The deadline for final proposals has passed for Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim, while the submission window for the Algarve licences closed on 4 January 2026. A government-appointed jury, including officials from the Gambling Regulation and Inspection Service, Turismo de Portugal, and a magistrate from the Office of the Prosecutor General, will assess all proposals.
Estoril Sol Withdraws from Póvoa de Varzim Tender
Estoril Sol, Portugal’s largest land-based casino operator, confirmed it did not submit a bid to retain the Póvoa de Varzim casino. In a filing to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), the company stated it “did not submit a proposal” for the new concession.
The operator’s right to continue running the Póvoa de Varzim casino has been extended temporarily under the 120-day provision while the government evaluates remaining offers. Portuguese newspaper Expresso reported on 30 December that the sole formal proposal came from the Lucien Barrière group, which operates 32 casinos across France, Egypt, and the Ivory Coast.
Estoril Sol continues to operate its primary casinos in Lisbon and Estoril, where it secured new concessions in 2023. The Póvoa de Varzim casino was the group’s smallest operation, generating €17.5 million in revenue during the first half of 2025, compared to €35.6 million from the Lisbon casino.
Competition for Espinho and Algarve Licences
According to Expresso, Solverde is the only bidder for the Espinho casino, positioning the operator to retain that concession.
The Algarve concession represents the most significant and competitive tender. It covers casinos in Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura, and Portimão, currently operated by Solverde. Bidding for this licence closed on 4 January 2026.
Neutral Impact on Tender Outcomes
The government emphasized that the temporary extensions have no bearing on tender outcomes and do not alter any contractual terms. All existing criteria remain in effect, with extensions strictly limited to operational necessity and public interest.
Final reports and concession awards are expected following the formal expiration of existing contracts on 31 December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the restructuring of Portugal’s casino sector.
Source: Gambling Insider
