Brazil Nears Online Gambling Regulation: What’s Next?

Brazil’s online gambling market is on the cusp of a major transformation.

Starting January 1, 2025, the Brazilian government will roll out a comprehensive regulatory framework for online casinos and sports betting, aimed at addressing the social and economic challenges brought about by the sector’s rapid expansion in recent years.

With the backdrop of this impending regulation and a notable surge in both players and operators in recent years, here at PokerNews we’re taking a closer look at the current landscape of online gambling in Brazil as we near the end of 2024, and the exciting, regulated future that lies ahead.

The Road to Regulating Brazil’s Gambling Industry

The road to regulation in Brazil has been lengthy, with online gambling reform a key priority for President Lula’s government since taking office in January 2023.

To spearhead these regulatory efforts, the government established the Prizes and Betting Secretariat within the Ministry of Finance in late 2023. This body has played a crucial role in guiding the regulatory process, developing strategies, and establishing a timetable for the significant changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

A pivotal legislative milestone occurred in April 2024 with the publication of Ordinance SPA/MF nº 561, which outlined a four-stage roadmap toward regulation. This ordinance detailed essential conditions concerning financial crime prevention, responsible gambling measures, and the licensing criteria that will shape Brazil’s online gambling landscape.

In August 2024, the government issued a follow-up ordinance (SPA/MF No. 1,231/2024) that introduced specific compliance requirements for gambling operators. Key provisions included advertising restrictions, limits on influencer partnerships, and guidelines on how operators should allocate portions of their revenue to social causes.

These policies are designed to promote responsible gambling practices, mitigate addiction risks, and enhance transparency within the industry.

Demonstrating its commitment to a safe gambling environment, Brazil has taken decisive action against unauthorized operators.

In October, authorities blocked over 2,000 unlicensed gambling sites, urging players to transition to platforms that will be regulated in the upcoming 2025 market. Currently, only 96 authorized companies, operating more than 200 brands, are permitted to run legally in Brazil, and they must comply with strict regulations during this probationary period. Online casinos such as Betano and Betfair are among those included in the list.

The message is clear: Brazil aims to retain only those companies willing to adhere to its vision for a responsible and regulated gambling industry.

Notably, major international operators such as Flutter’s Paddy Power, Entain’s BWIN, Betfred, and Australia’s Tabcorp have all been restricted from the Brazilian market. This measure underscores the seriousness with which Brazil is approaching its transition, demonstrating that even industry giants must meet rigorous standards to gain access.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the January 2025 deadline approaches, licensed Brazilian operators are making final adjustments to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Companies that applied for a license before August 31, 2024, and paid the R$30 million concession fee are guaranteed market access once it opens. For new applicants, the same concession fee applies, but they should be prepared for a licensing process that can take up to 150 days to complete.

Despite the impending regulatory changes, the debate continues to intensify within the Senado Federal. Recently, Senator Sérgio Petecão introduced Bill 4,031/2024, proposing a blanket ban on online betting in Brazil. However, many observers believe this will not impede the rollout of the regulated market. Critics argue that the introduction of clear regulations will alleviate numerous concerns surrounding online gambling.

As Brazil moves forward with these regulatory changes, it is poised to reshape the online gambling landscape in the country. Much like other nations around the globe, Brazil seeks to strike a balance between harnessing the sector’s potential for economic growth and ensuring the protection of players and society at large.

This dynamic landscape positions Brazil as a key market to watch in 2025, as the nation shifts toward a more structured, safer, and transparent gambling environment.

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