A bettor in Portugal matched one of the most valuable EuroMillions combinations, securing a significant prize in a recent draw. Even so, the advertised value does not correspond to the final value you will receive. According to , the second prize was awarded nationally, and the first prize was awarded abroad. The news generated interest not only because of the amount involved, but also because of the amount that ends up not reaching the winner.
According to the same source, this difference is the result of tax rules that have already been in force for several years and apply to game prizes above a certain value.
Part of the prize goes directly to the State
The second prize given to a bettor in Portugal is worth 152,175.42 euros. However, this amount is subject to stamp duty, which reduces the net amount receivable. In accordance with applicable rules, prizes exceeding 5,000 euros are taxed at a rate of 20%. This means that a significant part of the amount is automatically retained by the State.
After all, around 30 thousand euros of this prize end up going to public coffers, reducing the final amount available to the winner.
Rule applies to all prizes above R$5,000
This taxation is not new and applies across the board to social game prizes. According to information available on the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa website, this rule has been in force since 2013.
In practice, any prize exceeding 5,000 euros is subject to stamp duty, regardless of the game or the total value. The rate applied is fixed, which makes the calculation relatively straightforward. This fiscal framework explains why the values disclosed in the draws often do not correspond to the amount actually received by the bettors.
There was also a third prize in Portugal
In addition to the second prize, there was also a third prize given to a player in Portugal. In this case, the total value is R$17,782.95, per match on five numbers.
As in the previous case, this amount is also subject to taxation, which implies the delivery of more than three thousand euros to the State. Therefore, even on smaller prizes, the impact of stamp duty remains significant, reducing the net value received.
How and when premiums are paid
In the case of prizes exceeding 5,000 euros, such as the second prize in question, payment is made by bank transfer. Before that, the holder of the winning bet must be properly identified.
The process includes filling out a specific form and going to the Gaming Department’s facilities, where documents such as the winning receipt, a valid identification document and bank receipts must be presented. According to the rules in force, payment is made after a minimum period of 12 days, counting from the winner’s in-person identification.
There are deadlines to meet to avoid losing the prize.
Another relevant aspect concerns the deadline for claiming the prize. The right to the amount expires 90 days after the draw date, which means that the winner must act within this period. Furthermore, the winners’ personal data is collected within the scope of legal obligations related to combating money laundering, and is processed in accordance with data protection legislation.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, these procedures are part of the normal operation of social games in Portugal, guaranteeing both the security of transactions and compliance with tax obligations.
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