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Filipe Mayer comments on the strengthening of gambling oversight in Portugal

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The Portuguese Parliament recently debated several proposals to tighten the national gambling framework, particularly in the areas of advertising, sponsorship, and consumer protection. The discussion reflects growing political concern over the social impact of gambling and the visibility of operators across media and sporting events.

In an article for The Legal Industry, Filipe Mayer, Partner at CCA Law Firm, evaluates this legislative movement and highlights the need to balance consumer protection with the sustainability of the legal gambling ecosystem. As he notes, “it is estimated that around 40% of Portuguese consumers still engage in gambling through unlicensed operators, exposing them to a myriad of risks”, a figure that underscores why advertising cannot be eliminated entirely without unintentionally strengthening illegal platforms.

While stricter oversight is expected, the article stresses that an outright ban would diminish the visibility of licensed operators and jeopardize market integrity. A balanced regulatory framework, tightened where necessary, but proportionate, will be essential to protect consumers without undermining the legal sector.