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2026-01-16
Filipe Mayer explains why betting on elections is illegal in Portugal

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Betting on electoral outcomes has been moving millions of euros on international platforms, despite not being permitted under Portuguese law. The issue has gained particular prominence with the growing use of the platform Polymarket, which allows bets on political events, including Portuguese presidential elections, without being licensed to operate in Portugal.

In statements to Renascença, Filipe Mayer, Partner and Head of the Online Gambling practice at CCA Law Firm, clarifies that the national legal framework is unequivocal regarding this type of market. Although there is no express prohibition specifically targeting electoral betting, Portuguese legislation only authorises betting on events that are expressly provided for by law, which do not include elections or other political events.

As the Partner underlines, “by limiting betting to types of events that are expressly authorised, which do not include electoral events, the law ultimately excludes the possibility of commercially offering this type of betting”, meaning that any platform making such markets available operates outside the Portuguese legal framework.

This interpretation reinforces that Polymarket’s activity, despite being accessible from Portugal, is considered unauthorised and illegal, with enforcement and potential blocking falling within the remit of the competent authorities.