Sports betting laws in Brazil: what is new?

The start of 2025 marks a new chapter for sports betting laws in Brazil with the implementation of Law No. 14,790/2023, which came into effect on 1 January. From now on, all betting and gaming companies that wish to operate in the country must comply with rules covering advertising, data protection, and measures to combat money laundering.

According to a survey by GWI in 2024, Brazil ranks as the fourth country with the largest number of bettors. Approximately 22% of the population participates in sports betting through online platforms. Experts believe that, with the sector’s rapid growth, this percentage is likely to increase further in the coming years.

One significant factor driving the growth of sports betting, as well as the development of Brazil’s sports and entertainment industries, is the country’s strong sporting culture, particularly its love of football.

This cultural connection, combined with the increasing accessibility of smartphones with internet connections, has made sports betting platforms more convenient than ever. Today, people can bet at any time, from anywhere, on a variety of championships and competitions.

The accelerated growth of this market, along with the potential risks and harms associated with sports betting, has prompted the Brazilian government to implement regulations aimed at ensuring greater control over the sector.

What Changes with Betting Regulation in Brazil?

The new regulations introduce several key measures for companies operating in the industry:

• Mandatory Authorisation: Only companies officially licensed by the Ministry of Finance can legally operate in Brazil. Before the regulations, more than 1,000 companies were active in the market. Now, according to the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA), only 66 companies, including Betfair, are authorised to operate in the country, having fully paid their licensing fees in advance.
• Licence Fee: Companies must pay a licence fee of R$30 million to operate legally in Brazil. Additionally, they are required to pay 12.5% of their gross revenue to the federal government.
• Local Headquarters and “.bet.br” Domain: Companies must establish headquarters and administrative offices in Brazil. Foreign branches are no longer allowed to operate. Additionally, licensed betting platforms must use a “.bet.br” domain to make it easier for users to identify authorised companies.
• Advertising Rules: Regulations include strict advertising guidelines established by the National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (CONAR). These rules prohibit advertisements targeting individuals under 18 and require all promotional content to be clearly identified. This addresses the widespread issue of unregulated digital influencers promoting betting platforms without clear guidelines.
• Responsible Gambling Promotion: With the rapid expansion of sports betting, gambling addiction, or ludopathy, has become a concern. The new regulations require companies to promote responsible gambling practices, protect user data through enhanced security protocols, and encourage healthier betting habits.
• Payment Methods and Bonuses: Legal betting companies are prohibited from offering welcome bonuses to new users. Additionally, certain payment methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, and cryptocurrencies, are no longer accepted on authorised platforms.
• CPF Monitoring: To detect potential money laundering or gambling addiction, the Ministry of Finance will monitor the CPF (tax ID) numbers of bettors. This includes linking data on betting activity and winnings for each user.

People barred from registering on betting platforms include:

• Those under 18 years old;
• Owners or employees of betting companies;
• Public officials responsible for regulating the betting market;
• Individuals with access to betting platforms’ systems;
• Athletes, referees, sports managers, or anyone who could influence competition outcomes;
• People diagnosed with gambling addiction.

The Future of Betting in Brazil

With the implementation of these new regulations, the betting market in Brazil is expected to grow in a more controlled and sustainable way. The rules aim to provide greater security and protection for both licensed companies and their users.

Additionally, the regulations are likely to attract more investment, driven by increased tax revenues. By enforcing measures such as mandatory licensing and security protocols, the fight against illegal betting operations will become more effective.

As a result, the sports betting sector has the potential to become one of Brazil’s most promising industries, contributing to balanced economic and social development.