When many of us think of bingo, the image of bingo halls in the UK and the US often come to mind. But one of the country’s where this game has been embraced by adults new to the game is Portugal. The game has evolved over the years thanks to digital transformation, but stays rooted in its cultural heritage.
In this article, we’ll look at the history of bingo in Portugal and the factors behind its growth today. Read on to find out more!
Bingo has a history of Portugal that dates all the way back to the 20th century, growing in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Bingo was played back in those days at religious festivals, small town gatherings and local community halls and was seen as a game that brought people together for some fun (while also being low-stakes).
Like in other countries, bingo halls began to pop up especially in larger urban areas like Coimbra, Porto and Lisbon. At this time, bingo halls were run by local associations and charitable organisations and proceeds often went on to support community initiatives. By the end of the 20th century, the government had begun to regulate these operations with strict licensing laws that were meant to help curb opportunities for illegal gambling.
The game’s popularity today
In 2025, bingo continues to be a beloved game that’s played in Portugal, although a new generation of adult players has come to the fore. The advent of bingo sites online has attracted many different demographics and allowed diverse players to enjoy the game from the comfort of home or while on the go.
Of course, the bingo halls of years’ past continue to operate especially in coastal towns and major cities; offering players a lively atmosphere and even food and drink available.
Factors behind its growth
There have been some key factors that have contributed to the growth of bingo over time. We’ve compiled the top five below:
1. The social side
Since it first began being played in Portugal, bingo has been considered a social game and ritual. Both in physical halls and online chat spaces, players can make friends and develop communities for people of all different types of demographics and have spurred on its growth for generations.
2. Digital transformation
Digital transformation and new tech has had an impact on so many different industries, including gaming and especially bingo. These days, the game is more accessible than ever as people can enjoy it from their computers, tablets or smartphones wherever they are.
There are also many more varieties of bingo that you can enjoy, from the more traditional games like 90-ball bingo and 75-ball bingo to speed bingo, themed bingo and more. And while online bingo hasn’t replaced playing bingo in real life it’s certainly fuelled its growth, with more people than ever getting into the game.
3. An affordable way to play
One of the things that stands out about bingo compared to other types of online gaming is that it’s relatively low-cost to play in Portugal. Entry fees fit most people's budgets, and the game doesn’t require you to have any special training or skills that you might otherwise have to invest in or develop over time.
This can help explain why bingo has been particularly popular when the economy has been a bit uncertain and people are looking for an affordable entertainment option to enjoy.
4. Tourism
Portugal has a strong tourism industry as the country sees thousands of people visit every year, especially during the holiday season. Many of the coastal cities like Cascais, Faro and Albufeira see a huge number of tourists every single year, many of whom already enjoy playing bingo in their countries of origin. Which, of course, has contributed to its growth over time.
5. Local institutions
Bingo has always been important to local communities in Portugal, so it's no surprise that support from local institutions has kept the game thriving. From senior centres organising games to non-profit groups and councils, these local organisations have introduced the game to people from across generations, which is one of the reasons it remains so popular with people across the country.
