SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Malta and France licensed European betting operator Betclic Everest Group, has launched subsidiary Betclic services in Portugal becoming the first brand to secure a national online sports betting licence.
Officially launching its Betclic Portugal services yesterday, the European operator had become the first bookmaker to be approved of an online betting fixed odds license by regulator ‘Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos do Turismo de Portugal.’
Betclic ends its year long wait to re-enter the Portuguese betting market, and will adhere to a new tiered tax rate set to operators’ wagering turnover.
Its approval of services for the Portuguese market, sees Betclic secure a further European licence, following the news this month that Belgium regulators had approved Betclic.be of a B+ licence to operate sports betting and online casino products.
To date, Portuguese regulators have remained discreet regarding the number of operator applicants seeking licensed market entry.
Portuguese news sources have speculated that the Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos do Turismo are currently reviewing a further eleven operators that have considered market entry.
However, gambling stakeholders have criticised Portuguese policy makers for implementing an uncompetitive tax rate which will restrict market growth.
