The Regional Government of Madeira has approved the launch of an international tender for the next exclusive concession to operate games of chance in the Funchal gaming zone. The move initiates a competitive procurement process ahead of the expiration of the current license on December 31, 2026.
Resolution No. 723/2026, adopted on July 15 and published in the Official Journal of the Autonomous Region of Madeira on July 21, authorizes the award of the concession through a restricted tender with prior qualification and international publicity.
The Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture will oversee the process, having been delegated responsibility for managing the procurement and executing the resulting concession contract.
Exclusive model remains and pre-qualification required
The decision confirms that the Funchal gaming zone will continue to operate under an exclusive concession model. Prospective bidders must pass a pre-qualification stage assessing financial strength and technical capability before submitting detailed proposals.
The procurement framework rests on Portugal’s Gaming Law (Decree-Law No. 422/89), which reserves casino operations to the state but permits concessions to private companies, together with the Portuguese Public Contracts Code.
The resolution also references Madeira’s 2026 Regional Budget legislation, which grants the Regional Council of Government authority to approve concessions involving regional public assets, including Casino do Funchal.
Process mirrors mainland approach
The restricted procedure follows the format used in mainland Portuguese casino concession tenders launched in 2025 and opens the process to international operators.
Industry observers have previously identified Cirsa, Groupe Barrière and Comar among potential participants in Portuguese concession competitions.
With less than six months remaining before the existing concession expires, the timetable presents a tight turnaround. Similar mainland concession processes were not completed before existing licenses expired, requiring temporary extensions to maintain continuity of operations.
The regional government has acknowledged the need to avoid disruption to gaming activity, tourism and investment during the transition.
ITI/Grupo Pestana, which has held the concession since 1968 and operated Casino do Funchal since 1986, will not receive an automatic renewal and must compete alongside any new entrants. Attention now turns to the publication of the formal tender documents, expected to outline qualification criteria, evaluation methodology, concession term and investment obligations for bidders.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/07/30/125623-madeira-approves-international-tender-for-funchal-casino-concession
