According to the preamble of the new law, changes were necessary in order "to keep pace with technological developments and invest in the modernisation of bingo gaming operations through the use of modern tools offered by new technologies.”
The new
rules state that electronic bingo terminals may only be installed "in a
separate room or room independent of the room from where traditional bingo is
practiced, with the sound insulation necessary so that its operation does not
disturb the running of the traditional bingo room.”
In addition the number of electronic bingo terminals may not be more than half
of the number of the positions set up in the traditional bingo hall. 60 % of
revenue minus tax will be awarded in prizes compared with 55 % for traditional
bingo.
The new law also allows operators to offer a national prize pool and states
that bingo terminals may be part of a linked network. Operators will initially
be able to form a prize fund with a lump sum made up of €100,000. After that
time the accumulated bingo prize will be made up from €0.50 from the prizes
awarded for each game.
The new law was developed after consultation with the Portuguese Association of
Bingos Associação Portuguesa de Bingos, and unions representing workers in the
sector.
There are
currently sixteen bingo halls in Portugal. Nine are owned and run by local
sports clubs and one bingo hall is located in a casino. Five are located in
capital Lisbon, two in Porto while the rest are located throughout Portugal.
Source: GMB / G3 Newswire
