State Act

Portuguese Civil Code, 1867

Article 1542 – Debts from gaming - The law grants no sanction for the payment of what is won by gaming, even though with an appearance of another contract or novation. But if the gambler has paid what he has lost he is not entitled to ask for restitution of what has paid, except: 1. Where there is deceit or fraud of the other party, or where any other circumstances arises which according to general rules create obstacles for the contract to come into effect. 2. Where the amount or thing has been paid as a result of loss in gambling. § 1 - The contract is said to be of gambling where the loss or win depends entirely on chance and not on combinations, or calculation or skill of the player. § 2 - The refund of money, lent for gambling, at the time of the game, cannot be equally demanded.