Portugal's gaming regulator has extended its responsible gambling education initiative to tourism schools across three cities, marking a strategic push to embed gambling awareness training within hospitality education.
The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ) delivered its "Mais que um Jogo" project to Escolas de Hotelaria e Turismo (EHT) in Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Lamego on 5, 6, and 7 May 2026, respectively.
Multi-Agency Educational Framework
The project represents a collaborative effort between multiple Portuguese authorities. Turismo de Portugal developed the initiative through SRIJ and the Direção de Gestão de Competências e Capacitação (DGCC), with support from the Instituto para os Comportamentos Aditivos e Dependências (ICAD).
The awareness sessions specifically target responsible gambling practices within online gaming and betting contexts, addressing students at tourism schools and higher education institutions.
Representatives from Centros de Respostas Integradas (CRI) from Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Vila Real participated in the sessions, representing ICAD's commitment to the educational initiative.
Tourism School Network
Portugal's EHT schools are part of the national tourism education system, training approximately 3,000 students annually across hospitality, restaurant management, and tourism operations. These institutions feed directly into Portugal's €18 billion tourism industry, making gambling literacy training particularly relevant for future casino resort and entertainment venue employees.
Strategic Industry Alignment
This educational expansion reflects Portugal's recognition that hospitality professionals require gambling literacy as the tourism and gaming sectors increasingly intersect. By targeting future industry professionals, regulators are building preventive awareness capabilities within the workforce most likely to encounter gambling-related customer interactions.
The initiative signals SRIJ's proactive approach to responsible gambling education, extending beyond operator compliance to encompass broader industry stakeholder engagement. This educational framework aligns with broader European responsible gambling initiatives targeting workplace awareness and prevention.
Industry Implementation
Hotels and resorts can implement similar responsible gambling awareness training for existing staff who interact with guests near gaming facilities. Training should cover recognition of problem gambling signs, appropriate referral protocols, and legal obligations when serving customers who may be intoxicated or showing distress related to gambling activities.
According to SRIJ.
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