Under Portuguese law, the operation and practice of lotteries are governed by Decree-Law no. 422/89 of 2 December 1989, as amended, and overseen by the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ). All lottery games are exclusively operated by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa under state concession (1)(2).
Tickets may only be sold by authorized mediators and through official channels; minors under 18 are expressly prohibited from purchasing or playing, and prizes above €5 000 are subject to stamp duty at 20% in accordance with current legislation (2).
"A exploração e a prática de jogos de fortuna ou azar e a execução das obrigações das concessionárias ficam sujeitas à inspecção tutelar do Estado, exercida pela Inspecção-Geral de Jogos."
Individuals aged 18 and over can legally buy tickets at licensed retailers—such as lottery shops, cafés, and gas stations—or online via the Santa Casa mobile app or website. Foreign visitors may purchase in person, but online sales are limited to residents with Portuguese IDs (1).
To ensure compliance, always purchase through Santa Casa’s official outlets or digital platforms; buying from unlicensed sellers is illegal and may forfeit any winnings.
Source:
https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/portugal
https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/422-1989-550804
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
