Illegal online gambling could be worth €24 billion in Portugal
Portugal's Minister of Economy warns that illegal online gambling could be worth billions, urging coordinated action to combat the growing threat.Summary
Portugal's Minister of Economy, Manuel Castro Almeida, highlighted the significant financial impact of illegal online gambling, estimating it could be worth billions of euros. Speaking at the launch of the campaign "Not everything you see is safe gambling," he emphasized the need for efficient and coordinated efforts to combat the issue. The government plans to approve new legislation this summer to update online gambling rules. Castro Almeida described illegal gambling as a "plague" that destroys families and harms the economy. He noted the phenomenon is growing rapidly due to a sense of impunity in digital fraud. The campaign, promoted by the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs (DGC) with partners including the Judicial Police, aims to raise awareness about the risks, such as identity theft and financial fraud. A cooperation protocol was also signed between the DGC and the Judicial Police to enhance consumer protection and criminal investigation.
(Source：The Portugal News)