APAJO Takes Action Against Unlicensed Gambling Promotions in Portugal
The Portuguese Association of Betting and Online Games (APAJO) has launched complaints against several operators and influencers for promoting unlicensed gambling platforms in Portugal. This initiative is part of APAJO’s ongoing commitment to curb the influence of the black gambling market and steer players towards legal operators.
APAJO Targets Operators and Influencers Over Unlicensed Promotions
APAJO’s recent complaints have highlighted eight operators—BC.Game, Betify, Monro, Stake, Strada, Vem Bet, Weiss, and Wolfi—who allegedly promoted their services in Portugal without the necessary licenses.
Alongside these operators, APAJO has also filed complaints against five prominent local influencers: Bruno Savate, Cláudia Nayara, GODMOTA, Numeiro, and ritinhayoutuber.
Each has significant social media followings, which amplifies their reach and potential influence over Portuguese audiences.
By endorsing unlicensed platforms, these influencers may have unknowingly promoted illegal services to their followers.
APAJO’s Broader Campaign Against the Black Market
The complaints are part of a larger campaign by APAJO to reduce the black market’s influence within Portugal’s gambling sector.
The association’s aim is to encourage Portuguese players to choose licensed operators who comply with local regulations. APAJO’s stance is firm: “Unlicensed operators should not promote their products to people in Portugal,” emphasizing that lack of knowledge about local laws cannot be used to justify these violations.
Educating Portuguese Players on Legal Choices
APAJO has urged Portuguese players to remain cautious and to consult the official list of legal operators to avoid unintentionally engaging with black-market platforms.
As APAJO officials noted, some unlicensed operators attempt to disguise themselves as legal, making consumer awareness essential.
APAJO president Ricardo Domingues highlighted the importance of this initiative, referencing a recent study: “Only 37.7% of the players who wager on illegal platforms are aware of the platforms’ illegality.”
The findings reveal a critical gap in awareness, as the majority of users may not realize they are interacting with illegal services.
Domingues stressed the need for transparency in Portuguese media to prevent the spread of misleading information. “Black market companies offer significantly fewer player protections, exposing players to substantial risks,” he stated.
