Portuguese government appoints working group to analyse gaming market and make recommend changes, giving hope taxes may be reduced.

Portuguese gaming licenses might become more appealing to operators soon, as the government conducts a review of its gambling tax regime.

A working group has been appointed to analyse the state of the country’s online gambling sector, and report back with recommended changes. The group of six includes representatives from SRIJ and the Portuguese Ministries of Finance, Economy, Tourism and Labour. Their findings and recommendations will be submitted within 30 days.

Despite the gaming industry welcoming the reorganisation of Portugal’s gambling laws in 2015, the tax rates imposed were generally considered too high, making the market unviable for most operators. Indeed, since the Serviço de Regulação Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) granted the first foreign company a license in May 2016, the regulator has issued just 16 licenses.

Operators around Europe will now be hoping that the working group recognises that current gambling taxes are preventing the Portuguese market from reaching its potential, and reports back with recommendations to lower the burden.

AYO.NEWS will monitor the situation and bring you any updates.