Gambling surge in Portugal: Half the nation bets regularly
More than half of Portuguese people regularly participate in gambling, as confirmed by psychologists and psychiatrists. That's over 5 million individuals.
In Portugal, a country with a population of 10 million, more than half of the citizens regularly engage in gambling. This data was presented by Portuguese psychologists and psychiatrists on public television RTP.
Experts highlight the growing addiction to various forms of gambling, including online betting, casinos, and the popular lottery game EuroMillions.
Professor Pedro Morgado from the psychiatry department at the University of Minho in Braga explained that there is also significant popularity for gambling games, which can be purchased in kiosks. In Portugal alone, more than 30,000 people regularly play the scratch card game known as Raspadinha.
Increase in addictions during the pandemic
Studies indicate that addiction to gambling, particularly online, intensified during the coronavirus pandemic. The Portuguese spend over 26 million pounds daily on games. An increasing number of people are requesting to block their participation in online games due to financial difficulties. In 2019, fewer than 50,000 individuals sought such measures, and by 2024, this number had risen to over 215,000.
Every day, at least one compulsive gambler contacts the Portuguese helpline, seeking support in battling addiction. This phenomenon is concerning and requires greater attention from society and authorities.
