Online Casino & Sports Betting Regulations in Brazil | 2025

Explore online casino and sports betting regulations in Brazil—what’s legal, what’s changing, and what operators need to know about this market.

Brazilian bettors faced two uncertainties with every wager – whether their team would win and whether their bet was actually legal.

That changed in 2025, when online casino and sports betting in Brazil were finally given a regulation path forward.

The new rules spell out exactly how to get licensed, protect players and pay taxes.

Operators get to run their business without constantly worrying about changing rules.

The foggy, uncertain days are over, Brazil’s iGaming industry is now growing in the open.

Here’s what makes Brazil’s new betting market so compelling.

Brazil’s Betting Story: From Prohibition To Regulation

The Era of Betting Restrictions

• Eurico Gaspar Dutra, former President, Brazil, shut down betting halls across Brazil in 1946, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. His ruling made betting a crime and set the tone for laws in online casino gaming and sports betting in Brazil for many years to come.
• Since 1967, only the government bank Caixa could run lotteries legally, giving them a monopoly on this form of betting.
• In 1984, Brazilians got permission to bet on horse races, creating a small crack in the betting dam.
• Despite the bans, Brazilians found ways to bet anyway, a trend that continued until the rise of sports betting in Brazil. The famous Jogo do Bicho (Animal game) became a beloved yet illegal tradition in neighborhoods across the country, with local bookies taking bets despite police crackdowns.

The iGaming revolution

• In 2018, Law 13, 756 finally opened the door for online casino and sports betting in Brazil. Though the government didn’t immediately create all the rules needed to properly control the industry.
• Then came the wild west period, as, without clear rules, betting websites from all over the world started targeting Brazilian players. Flashy TV commercials, soccer team partnerships, and smartphone apps made online casino in Brazil explode in popularity. Millions of Brazilians started placing bets online with no local consumer protections.
• In December 2023, Law 14,790 changed the game—bringing sports betting laws in Brazil closer to international standards. This law finally created a proper system for both online casinos and sports betting regulations in Brazil. This brought Brazil in line with modern betting standards around the world.

A Closer Look at Brazil’s iGaming Regulations: What’s New in 2025?

On January 1, 2025, Brazil’s iGaming regulations came into force.

The major change created rules for companies, better protection for consumers, and helped the government collect taxes that were previously lost.

Here’s a detailed look at everything you need to know.

Major changes in the rule

Licensing Requirements

• All companies offering online casino and sports betting in Brazil need to get a license by December 31, 2025. Companies without a license are now breaking the law and face serious penalties, including fines up to R$2 billion (US$354 million) and having their websites blocked.
• Companies must pay R$30 million (about US$6.1 million) for a license that lasts five years.
• Betting companies need to set up a local office in Brazil and work with Brazilian partners to follow the rules.
• One license lets companies run up to three different brands under the same license, which helps larger companies manage their operations.
• Smaller and medium-sized companies can join forces to apply together. This lets them share resources and meet the financial requirements.

Taxation Requirements

• Licensed companies pay a 12% tax on their gross gaming revenue (the money they pay before making payout winnings), plus other federal and state taxes.
• Players pay 15% tax on their winnings, which is much lower than the 30% that was originally suggested.

Advertising Limits

• Ads cannot target players under 18 years or use minors in promotions. Online casino and sports betting businesses in Brazil need to be careful about how they market their services.
• Licensed companies must use “bet.br” in their website addresses to help players identify legal betting platforms.

Payment Methods

• Only PIX Brazil’s (instant payment system) and debit cards are allowed for deposits and withdrawals.
• Credit cards are no longer permitted to prevent money laundering and protect players from spending money they don’t have.

Player Protection

• iGaming operators must carefully verify players’ ages and identities, including biometric checks through Brazil’s CPF database (a national ID system).

Enforcement

• The Secretariat of Awards and Betting under the Ministry of Finance, a special regulatory agency, watches over companies, monitors their operation, and enforces penalties when rules are broken.
• Unlicensed companies face severe consequences, including having their websites blocked and facing fines up to R$2 Billion (US$354 Million).

Future Outlook

With over 215 million people and a growing middle class, Brazil offers massive potential for licensed online casino and sports betting businesses companies in Brazil.

Operating legally under proper regulations builds player confidence and loyalty, which is good for long-term business.

Additionally, smaller companies might partner with or be bought by larger ones. This will create growth opportunities.

Here are some economic benefits of Brazil’s regulated iGaming market:

• The government hopes to get R$20 billion in taxes and fees annually.
• The market is expected to grow by 20% each year until 2027 as more players start using legal  online casino and sports betting platforms in Brazil.
• As rules get more settled, Brazil might allow real casinos or more kinds of games in the future.
• If these rules work well, other Latin American companies might replicate Brazil’s approach.

How To Get A License To Start Your iGaming Business in Brazil?

Securing an iGaming license to operate legally in Brazil requires several important steps. Let’s break down this journey into manageable parts.

STEP 1- Company Registration

• Create a legal company with headquarters in Brazil.
• Ensure that at least 20% of your company is owned by a Brazilian citizen.
• Register for a CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID number) to stay compliant with tax law.

STEP 2- Financial Requirements

• Show you have at least 5 million Brazilian reals (about $854,350) in financial reserves.
• Provide financial statements and a two-year forecast signed by your finance director.

STEP 3- Application Process

• Prepare all required documents for the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA).
• Be patient during the review process, which can take several months.
• Pay your license fees promptly upon approval to secure your license.

STEP 4- Post-Licensing Obligation

• Submit regular tax reports and comply with consumer protection rules.
• Register on Brazil’s consumer dispute resolution platform.
• Continue meeting all regulatory requirements to maintain your license.

By following these steps carefully and staying compliant with Brazilian laws, you’ll be well on your way to start an online casino and sports betting business in Brazil.

Roadblocks for iGaming Operators in Brazil

So far, Brazil’s iGaming market might seem like a platter to you, but there are some big hurdles to watch out for. Let’s look at what might trip you up along the way.

1. The growing black market

Illegal betting is huge in Brazil.

Nearly 50 million Brazilians bet on unlicensed sites in early 2024.

That’s a lot of competition from operators who don’t follow the rules.

The government plans to block these illegal sites and stop payments through Pix. Brazil’s instant payment system that most people use for everything from splitting dinner bills to paying rent.

But let’s be real– underground operators are creative.

They’ll find ways around these blocks, making life harder for legal businesses trying to do things right. 

2. The Money Pit

Getting licensed for online casino and sports betting in Brazil isn’t cheap.

You’ll need to pay 30 million Reais (about $5.3million USD) just for a license.

That’s before you even take your first bet.

Then there’s the taxes:

• 12% on your gaming revenue
• 15% corporate tax
• Another 10% on profits over R$240,000
• 15% on your player’s big wins

When you add it all up, it’s enough to make your head spin.

Many operators wonder if they can actually make money with these costs, especially when illegal sites aren’t paying any of these fees. 

3. Money Laundering Headaches

Keeping your business clean from money laundering is a must in Brazil. The new rules mean you need good systems to:

• Spot fishy transactions
• Check who your players really are
• Tell the authorities about big bets
• Keep track of risks

Building these systems costs time and money.

Make one mistake and your reputation could be ruined overnight. 

4. Marketing without the good stuff

Forget about bonuses to attract players in Brazil. No welcome offers, no free spins, no deposit matches– they are all banned now.

Sponsorships are only for licensed online casino and sports betting operators in Brazil which is good if you are legal.

This means operators have to compete on better apps, better odds, and more reliable platforms instead of flashy bonuses.

Is Brazil Still Worth It?

Despite all these challenges, online casino and sports betting in Brazil remains a golden opportunity.

With more than 200 million people and growing interest in online betting, the rewards could be huge.

You’ll have the best shot at success if you have:

• Enough cash to handle the startup costs.
• Fresh marketing ideas that work within the rules.
• Strong systems to stay compliant.
• Patience while the market settles down.

For those willing to tackle these challenges, Brazil could be your gateway to success in Latin America’s biggest betting market.

Tough?

Yes.

Worth it?

Absolutely.

Hot Topic: Brazil’s iGaming Market Update🔥 Brazil has given 81 iGaming companies permission to operate legally in 2025. Out of these, 15 companies got full licenses and 66 got temporary ones– more than expected. Big Companies Approved Include: Full licenses: BETMGM, SportyBet, 7Games, Alfa. bet Temporary Licenses: Caesars, Betano, Betsson, Betfair, Sporting Bet Strong Market Interest: 114 companies applied before the August deadline. 271 more applications were submitted after the deadline closed. Crackdown on illegal iGaming: Brazil is now working to stop over 2,000 illegal betting sites still operating. Why It Matters? This is an important step for Brazil’s iGaming market, making it safer and bringing in more legitimate business.

Wrapping Up…

Brazil’s 2025 regulations for online casinos and sports betting are a big deal for operators.

The rules will finally make the market legal, safe, and way more profitable.

Yes, there’ll be taxes and some red tape, but it’s a trade-off for tapping into a massive, hungry audience.

The key is to play by the rules, focus on fair play, and keep things transparent.

If you get it right, Brazil could be your next big win.

The market is ready– now it’s your move.

Don’t miss out!

FAQs

• What types of sports betting are allowed in Brazil?

  Whether you’re placing bets online or at physical locations depends on the operator’s license, you can bet on real-world, virtual sports, and even e-sports.

• What are the age restrictions for online gambling in Brazil?

  The legal age for iGaming, including sports betting, in Brazil is 18 years. This applies to all forms of regulated betting activities.

• Can I play at international online casinos from Brazil?

  Yes, Brazilians can access international online casinos that accept players from Brazil. However, these platforms must follow Brazilian rules to operate legally. Unauthorized sites risk being blocked by the government.

• Are state-level betting licenses available in Brazil?

  Yes, some states like Maranhão, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraíba offer their own gambling licenses. But if you want to operate across the whole country, it’s better to go for a federal license.