The legalisation of online gambling in Brazil marked a significant milestone for betting companies eager to tap into Latin America’s largest market. The journey to securing a Brazil gaming licence can initially appear daunting due to the intricate regulatory framework. However, understanding the key steps and requirements is essential for navigating this burgeoning industry.
On 1 January 2025, Brazil’s regulated online betting market officially launched, concluding a complex seven-year legalisation process. The introduction of Law No 14,790/2023 established the legal framework that governs the online gambling industry, paving the way for operators to enter the market. The licensing process is now managed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance.
To obtain a federal licence, operators must pay a BRL30 million fee, which grants them a five-year operating period and the ability to manage up to three different brands. The conditions of the licence are stringent, requiring adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) measures. Furthermore, all operations must use ‘.bet.br’ domains, limiting payment methods to electronic transfers while prohibiting credit cards and cryptocurrency.
Since the market launch, the number of licensed operators grew dramatically—from an initial 14 to 78 by August 2025. This rapid expansion highlights the immense interest from international betting companies eager to capitalize on Brazil’s vast sports fan base and high internet penetration rates. The potential for growth is significant, given Brazil’s position as the world’s largest source of gambling website traffic, accounting for 15% of global visits in 2024.
The regulatory transformation in Brazil’s gambling sector marks a departure from its historically prohibitive stance. Previously, gambling was largely outlawed, with “jogo de azar” and “jogo do bicho” considered illegal under decrees dating back to the mid-20th century. The religious influences on these bans were profound, yet the modern legislative efforts reflect a shift towards embracing regulated gaming as a legitimate industry.
Law No 13,756/2018 first laid the groundwork for fixed-odds betting in Brazil, setting the stage for the eventual passing of Law No 14,790/2023. These laws collectively ushered in an era where online gambling could be officially sanctioned, regulated, and taxed. H2 Gambling Capital projects that Brazil’s online betting market could reach an impressive BRL64 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) by 2030, driven by a competitive market environment.
Despite these promising figures, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of legalising online gambling. Critics point to the potential societal impacts, such as gambling addiction and money laundering, as reasons to reconsider the current legislative approach. Senator Eduardo Girão has notably argued that the move to legalise online betting was a mistake, citing its potential to fuel illicit activities and harm individual lives.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian government is moving forward with its regulatory agenda. The provisions for licensing include a comprehensive evaluation of technical systems, payment standards, and certifications from accredited bodies like Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). Operators can choose between three types of licences: the federal licence, a provisional licence for those awaiting certification completion, and state or municipal licences.
Provisional licences offer a temporary solution while companies address application hurdles, usually extending for 30 days but available for further extensions. Meanwhile, state licences, such as those issued by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj), present a less costly alternative at BRL5 million. However, these are restricted by geographical boundaries, limiting their appeal to operators aiming for a broader national presence.
Operators seeking to enter the Brazilian market must prepare meticulously for the application process. This involves establishing a legally compliant company in Brazil, complete with a minimum of 20% Brazilian ownership, and assembling a robust financial reserve. The submission of applications is conducted via the SPA’s electronic platform, SIGAP, which streamlines the administrative process.
The application window for the first wave of federal licences closed in August 2024, with the SPA typically responding within 150 days. Following approval, operators have 30 days to pay the BRL30 million fee. Despite the high entry costs, the potential returns from tapping into Brazil’s lucrative market could justify the investment for many companies.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the Brazilian market remains a focal point for global betting operators. The country’s large population, fervent sports culture, and the anticipated legalisation of land-based casinos offer a fertile ground for future growth. Nonetheless, navigating this market necessitates careful consideration of the financial and regulatory commitments involved.
Ultimately, acquiring a Brazil gaming licence not only provides legal legitimacy but also enhances an operator’s reputation in the eyes of consumers and potential partners. For those looking to sponsor premier sports teams or events, compliance with the ‘.bet.br’ requirement is essential. As competition intensifies, maintaining a compliant and innovative operation will be crucial to achieving long-term success in Brazil’s burgeoning gambling sector.
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