Portugal Casino Concessions Extended Amid Tender Processing Delays

The Portuguese government has implemented temporary extensions for existing casino operators after failing to finalize a competitive bidding process for five gaming properties by year-end. Current concession holders Solverde and Estoril Sol will maintain operations in the Algarve, Espinho, and Povoa de Varzim regions during the prolonged tender evaluation.

Officials described the extensions as covering a “strictly necessary period” to complete procedural requirements, though no definitive end date in 2026 was provided. Industry insiders suggest interim measures could last one to three months, barring legal disputes.

The tender, launched in July 2025, sought to award 15-year licenses for three Algarve venues and one each in Espinho and Povoa de Varzim, attracting eight undisclosed bids by the September deadline. Authorities had initially targeted a December 31 deadline.

Licensing Timeline Extended

Authorities have implemented a three-month extension to address procedural requirements in the licensing review, citing the need “to comply with all required formalities.” This is the latest setback in a process that was initially delayed by pandemic-related issues, stretching into 2025.

In the meantime, Solverde will continue casino operations in Espinho and Algarve, while Pansy Ho-chaired Estoril Sol runs the casino in Povoa de Varzim. With Algarve license submissions open until January 4, 2026, the pause affects all five casinos across the three regions. Existing operational frameworks remain unchanged during this interim phase.

Bid Evaluation Process

Portugal’s Ministry of Economy has clarified the remaining steps for its casino licensing tender, with submissions now advancing to a government-appointed jury for review. Following the January 4 deadline for Algarve bids, the panel will scrutinize proposals and draft a preliminary assessment for applicant feedback. The process allows bidders to submit objections before finalizing recommendations, ensuring nothing prevents contract awards.

The qualification phase, finalized on December 29, 2025, narrowed the list to six contenders, including Solverde and Estoril Sol, Spain’s Cirsa and Comar, France’s Lucien Barriere group, and Canada’s Mercan.

Political Controversy

The casino concession extensions became electoral fodder during Portugal’s recent polls, with Socialist Party leader Pedro Nuno Santos alleging Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government improperly favored incumbent operators Solverde. Montenegro rebuffed claims of preferential treatment and defended the tender’s transparency.

The interim measure guarantees uninterrupted tax revenue from casino operations during evaluations, while applicants endure uncertainty in Europe’s tightly controlled gaming sector.