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The Portuguese Online Gambling Association (APAJO) has announced a new membership category known as the “Effective Partner” in an effort to promote unity and growth within the Portuguese online gambling industry. This expansion, intended to expand involvement beyond licensed operators, invites technology and service providers to actively contribute to APAJO’s aim of establishing a safe, sustainable, and successful online gaming ecosystem.
The President of the APAJO Board, Ricardo Domingues, emphasized the organization’s commitment to coordinating activities that promote a responsible and thriving online gaming business. “APAJO brings together entities dedicated to improving the online gambling landscape,” Domingues said. He stressed that, while the organization initially focused on licensed operators, it recognized the potential benefits of cooperating with a wide range of industry participants.
Evolution, IGT, and Playtech, three industry heavyweights, have accepted the Effective Partner designation, indicating their unwavering support for APAJO’s goal. Nicholas Peters, Evolution’s Chief Business Development Officer for Europe, emphasized the need of open conversation between suppliers, operators, and regulators, highlighting its critical role in developing sustainable gaming jurisdictions.
IGT’s Senior Vice-President, Chief Compliance and Risk Management Officer, Luke Orchard, underscored the company’s history of advocating for regulated sectors. He underlined IGT’s delight in furthering APAJO’s objective through Effective Partner membership, emphasizing APAJO’s importance in building a secure gaming environment in Portugal for players, suppliers, and operators.
Charmaine Hogan, Playtech’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, expressed excitement about partnering up with APAJO and local operators to accelerate the expansion of Portugal’s gaming market. Playtech’s varied B2B gaming technology products, as well as its contributions to safer gambling tools, were emphasized by Hogan. Playtech, as an official APAJO member, is happy to exchange ideas and knowledge in order to contribute to a robust and safe online gaming sector.
The licensed Portuguese market has grown gradually since its start in mid-2016. The market has grown organically by attracting consumers who previously dealt with unauthorized operators and enabling the transition from land-based to online platforms. According to Aximage’s July 2023 survey, almost 60% of users only participate in the licensed environment. APAJO sees future growth through collaborative discussions with lawmakers, regulators, stakeholders, and specialists, with the goal of guaranteeing a safe and pleasurable gaming environment for Portuguese players.