Portugal’s gambling regulator has approved draft amendments to its online gambling framework. This paves the way for new slot mechanics and formally expands sports betting rules. The changes will allow features such as bonus buys and bet boosts for online slots. Meanwhile, these changes will also standardise bet builder and cash-out tools in sports wagering.
Once officially published, the updated regulations will take effect immediately. This reflects the regulator’s move to align national rules with features already common in other European markets.
Slot Rules Expand to Include Bonus Buys and Bet Boosts
Under proposed changes to Regulation No. 828/2015, the Gaming Commission of Turismo de Portugal plans to formally authorise two popular slot features: buy bonus and bet boost mechanics.
First, the buy bonus feature will allow players to purchase direct access to a bonus round, either at the start of the base game or during regular play. This applies regardless of whether the triggering spin would normally qualify for a bonus.
However, the regulator has introduced firm safeguards. The cost of a bonus buy may not exceed four times the minimum stake or four times the selected stake. In addition, players may only activate the feature twice per gaming session. Each use must also be clearly confirmed by the player to ensure informed participation.
Meanwhile, the bet boost feature will allow players to increase their stake in exchange for higher potential multipliers or an improved chance of winning. Under the draft rules, the boosted stake may not exceed 50% of the base bet. Furthermore, the feature will only apply to wagers capped at €10.
To prevent excessive use, bet boosts may only be applied for up to four consecutive spins per session. As with bonus buys, players must confirm each activation individually.
The Gaming Commission noted that these additions do not represent a substantial change to the existing regulatory framework. As a result, the amendments were not submitted under the EU’s technical standards notification process.
Sports Betting Framework Formalises Bet Builder and Cash-Out
At the same time, Portugal is updating its sports betting rules through amendments to Regulation No. 903-A/2015. These changes reflect evolving market practices and bring features that were previously approved on a case-by-case basis into the formal rulebook.
One of the most significant updates is the formal recognition of personalised bets, commonly known as bet builders. This feature allows players to combine multiple related predictions into a single wager, either within one event or across several events. The revised rules clarify how odds should be calculated and how winnings must be settled for these combined bets.
In addition, the regulator has officially codified cash-out as an optional tool for operators. This allows players to settle part or all of a wager before the final outcome, typically for a reduced return compared to the full potential payout.
Clearer Rules on Odds, Voids and Settlement
Beyond new features, the amendments also introduce greater clarity around betting mechanics. The regulator confirmed that odds become binding at the moment a bet is accepted. It also set out conditions under which bets must be voided.
Importantly, for combined, multiple and personalised bets, any voided selection will now be settled at odds of 1.00. This standardisation is designed to ensure consistent treatment across operators and improve transparency for players.
As with the slot amendments, the updated sports betting rules will come into force the day after their publication in Portugal’s Official Gazette.
