Temporary casino licenses have been issued in three gaming areas in Portugal, permitting existing operators to keep their gaming floors open while the delayed public tender process for new long-term licences is completed.
License extensions of 120 days have been granted in the Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzi.
The market could see some newcomers with Cirsa from Spain, Lucien Barrière from France, Comar, from Spain and Mercan from Canada all lodging interest in licenses in the Algarve, Espinho or Póvoa de Varzim.
Portugal’s Estoril Sol has opted out of the bidding to keep its Póvoa de Varzim with Lucien Barrière believed to be the only bidder.
