Brazil's long-awaited regulated online gambling market officially launched on January 1, 2026, following years of legislative debate and regulatory development. The Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas (SPA) issued the first wave of operating licenses in December 2025, and dozens of major international operators went live on opening day.
With over 215 million people and a passionate sports culture, Brazil is widely considered the biggest untapped online gambling market in the world. Early data suggests the market is exceeding even optimistic projections — government estimates had forecast R$6 billion in annual gross gaming revenue from sports betting alone, but industry analysts now believe the figure could reach R$10 billion within two years.
The regulatory framework covers sports betting and online casino games, with strict KYC requirements and mandatory responsible gambling measures. Operators must maintain 20% of their game revenue in Brazilian reais and are subject to a 12% gross gaming revenue tax.
Major operators that secured licenses include Bet365, Betway, 1xBet, Sportingbet, and Pixbet (a homegrown Brazilian brand). Several US operators including DraftKings have also confirmed Brazil market entry plans.
Consumer protection advocates have raised concerns about the pace of market opening and the adequacy of harm prevention measures for a population with limited experience with legal gambling. The SPA has pledged to review advertising restrictions and responsible gambling requirements at the six-month mark.