by As someone who works daily with prognosticos apostas desportivas futebol, I often get questions like: “Do I need to declare my winnings to the Portuguese tax authorities?” or “Will I be taxed for a big win from Betano or Placard?”
In this article, I’ll break down how taxation works for sports betting in Portugal. Whether you’re a casual punter or a semi-professional bettor, understanding your obligations could save you from serious surprises.
⚖️ The Basics: Is Sports Betting Legal in Portugal?
Yes. Sports betting has been fully regulated in Portugal since 2015, under the SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos). All legal betting platforms operate under SRIJ licenses and include:
- Betano.pt
- ESC Online
- Placard.pt
- Solverde.pt
These operators are fully compliant with national law and taxation rules. They’re also required to offer player protection tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible gambling support.
If you’re using unlicensed sites (often labeled siti non AAMS or offshore platforms), you’re technically betting outside Portuguese law. This is not only risky legally—it can also raise complications with your earnings.
💼 Who Pays Taxes—You or the Bookmaker?
Here’s the good news: if you’re an individual bettor, you generally don’t have to declare or pay taxes on your winnings from legal SRIJ platforms.
That’s because the tax is paid by the bookmakers, not by the players. Operators are taxed based on:
- 💰 Total betting volume (stakes), not net profits
- 💡 Type of game (sports betting vs casino vs lottery)
This means that:
🎯 If you win €500 or even €5,000 from a legal Portuguese bookmaker, you get to keep 100%—no personal tax applied.
However, there are exceptions and nuances worth understanding.
🧾 When Do Betting Winnings Become Taxable?
🟠 1. Betting as a Business
If you’re betting for a living—meaning it’s your main source of income and you’re filing no other earnings—you may be classified as a freelancer or professional.
In this case, winnings can potentially be taxed as income under Category B (self-employment).
You’ll need to register with Finanças, file quarterly VAT returns (if applicable), and declare your net annual income.
💡 My advice: Consult a certified Portuguese accountant if you consistently earn monthly betting profits above €2,500.
🔴 2. Offshore or Illegal Betting Platforms
If you place bets on non-SRIJ sites (including many international sportsbooks), and later try to deposit winnings into your Portuguese bank account:
- The funds can be flagged by your bank
- You may need to declare the income
- Fines may apply for undeclared or suspicious earnings
In some cases, offshore earnings may be classified as “foreign income” and subject to taxation or scrutiny.
Always bet through licensed platforms to avoid these tax and legal headaches.
💶 Do You Pay Tax on Bonuses or Free Bets?
No. Bonuses (like €50 free bets or 100% deposit matches) aren’t taxed in Portugal, and winnings derived from them are also tax-free as long as they come from legal sources.
Operators, however, cannot deduct bonuses as a business expense in their own tax filings, which is why many Portuguese betting sites are stricter about bonus abuse and promotion recycling.
🧠 Example Based on Prognosticos Apostas Desportivas Futebol
Let’s say I use my football betting model to place the following:
- Stake: €150 on Porto to beat Braga
- Odds: 2.10
- Result: Win
- Payout: €315
- Profit: €165
✅ If this is placed on Betano.pt → No tax
❌ If this is placed on an offshore book → Potential tax liability if declared or flagged
In short, the origin of the bet matters more than the size of the win. That’s why I always advise using legal operators for football and casino betting.
📊 How Bookmakers Are Taxed in Portugal
If you’re curious (like I am) about how the backend works:
| Platform Type | Tax Base | Tax Rate (approx.) |
| Fixed-odds sports betting | Turnover (total stake) | 8% to 16% |
| Online casinos | GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) | 15% to 30% |
| Totalisator (pools) | Bets placed | 15% |
This impacts how they set odds and limits—lower-margin sports like tennis or handball may have worse odds due to higher taxation burdens. Some platforms pass that cost onto the user indirectly.
🏛️ Declaring Winnings for Transparency (Optional)
Even if you’re not required to declare gambling income, some choose to do so voluntarily—for:
- Mortgage or loan applications
- Proof of income for visas or residence permits
- Transparent audit trails for financial institutions
How to prepare your declaration:
- Keep records (screenshots, withdrawal logs, transaction history)
- Export full betting summaries from the bookmaker platform
- Work with a tax professional if your betting forms part of your primary income
📉 Are Betting Losses Deductible?
Unfortunately, no.
Portugal does not allow you to offset gambling losses against other income or capital gains. So even if you lose €4,000 one month and win €2,000 the next, you can’t deduct the €4,000 to reduce taxable earnings.
This differs from tax law in other European countries like the UK or Germany, where some limited deductions apply in very specific professional cases.
❓ FAQ
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Portugal?
Not if the bets are placed through SRIJ-licensed operators and you’re betting as a private individual.
What if I bet from a non-licensed bookmaker?
You may be legally obligated to declare the winnings, and risk penalties if not.
Is sports betting considered a profession in Portugal?
Only in rare cases where betting is your primary, full-time income. Then it may be taxed as self-employment.
Are bonuses or free bets taxable?
No, not in Portugal. They are considered promotional incentives.
How can I keep track of my betting activity?
Use the account history features on platforms like Betano, ESC Online, or download monthly reports.
✅ Conclusion
If you’re betting on sports in Portugal, particularly through legal platforms using prognosticos apostas desportivas futebol, you can relax—you won’t be taxed on your winnings.
But stay alert. If you scale up your profits, treat betting as a full-time activity, or use unlicensed platforms, the tax picture changes quickly. Responsible betting isn’t just about bankroll—it’s also about legality and transparency.
The key takeaway is this: use licensed operators, stay within your means, and when in doubt—consult a tax advisor.
