Estoril-Sol Out of New Póvoa de Varzim Casino Concession; Barrière Group Emerges as Sole Competitor

According to the company, Varzim Sol – Turismo, Jogo e Animação, S.A. opted not to participate in the ongoing international public tender, confirming information previously reported by the newspaper Expresso. Despite this, Estoril-Sol has signed an addendum to the current contract with the Portuguese State, extending the existing concession for 120 days, effective January 1, 2026.

Initially, the Government had announced a three-month extension, but later rectified the period to four months. According to the Executive, the extension is linked to the final phase of the tender procedures for the awarding of new gaming concessions.

Tender Status and Competitors

In this context, the Government clarified that the deadline for submitting final proposals has already closed for the Póvoa de Varzim and Espinho gaming zones, while the deadline for the Algarve gaming zone will be January 4, 2026. The analysis of the proposals will be conducted by a jury composed of representatives from the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service of Turismo de Portugal and a magistrate appointed by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

According to information gathered by Expresso:

Póvoa de Varzim: Only the French group Barrière submitted a bid.

Espinho: The sole competitor was Solverde, the operator currently running that gaming zone.

The outcome of these processes will be decisive for the future of land-based gaming in Portugal, amid a reconfiguration of concessions and a potential repositioning of national and international operators in the market.