# Gambling addiction rise in Portugal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gambling-addiction-rise-in-portugal
> Updated: 2026-10-04T08:20:01.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Portugal has seen a significant rise in gambling addiction, with the number of individuals seeking treatment increasing from 358 in 2023 to 782 in 2025, a 118% increase. 

To address this growing issue, the Lisbon Gambling Intervention Unit was established as the country’s first public unit dedicated to treating gambling disorder. In its first three months of operation, the unit treated 50 patients. Joana Teixeira, president of the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD), noted that cases include individuals with debts as high as three million euros.

Demographic data shows that the majority of those seeking help are men, particularly young men under the age of 25. Of the 50 patients treated by the new unit, only six were women, who tend to be older on average. ICAD is currently investigating whether factors such as stigma contribute to the lower rate of women seeking treatment.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Lisbon gambling addiction unit treats 50 patients in first three months

Portugal’s new public gambling addiction unit has treated 50 patients in three months, amid a 118% rise in demand for treatment services reported by ICAD.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lisbon-gambling-addiction-unit-treats-50-patients-in-first-three-months

### 2026-10-04: Housing struggles in Cape Verde and rising gambling addiction in Portugal

Cape Verdean families struggle with inadequate housing rights, while Portugal sees a 118% increase in gambling addiction treatment seekers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/housing-struggles-in-cape-verde-and-rising-gambling-addiction-in-portugal

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Cite as: Gambling addiction rise in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gambling-addiction-rise-in-portugal