Estoril-Sol Out of New Póvoa de Varzim Casino Concession; Barrière Group Emerges as Sole Competitor
Wednesday 07 de January 2026 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Póvoa de Varzim).– The Estoril-Sol group has officially confirmed that it did not submit a proposal in the international tender for the new Póvoa de Varzim casino concession, currently operated by its subsidiary, Varzim Sol. The decision was communicated this Friday to the Securities Market Commission (CMVM) and represents a significant shift in the bidding process for Portugal’s gaming sector.
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.
Categoría:Casino
Tags: Sin tags
País: Portugal
Región: EMEA
Event
iGaming Club Conference Cancun
24 de November 2025
Levon Nikoghosyan Confirms iGaming Cancun’s Success and Future LATAM Expansion
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The vibrant energy of iGaming Cancun has set the tone for a new chapter in the Latin American iGaming industry. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO and Co-Founder of AffPapa and iGaming Club, shared his enthusiasm for the event’s debut in Mexico, highlighting its impact on the regional market and the company’s ambitious plans for the future.
Thursday 04 Dec 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025 Concludes Successfully with Strong Connections in Its First LatAm Edition
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- iGaming Club Cancún 2025 came to a close last night with a comprehensive experience of conferences, networking, and the AffPapa iGaming Awards LATAM gala, consolidating itself as a unique space for operators, affiliates, and providers in the region.
Thursday 27 Nov 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025: Affiliates, Operators, and Innovation Take Center Stage on Final Day
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The second and final day of iGaming Club Cancún 2025 unfolds today, bringing together operators, affiliates, and select B2B providers in a unique networking and conference environment that highlights the evolving dynamics of the Latin American iGaming market.
Wednesday 26 Nov 2025 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.