Brazil’s newly regulated online betting market has completed its first full year of operation, generating BRL37 billion ($7bn) in gross gaming revenue and delivering substantial tax income to the state. Data released by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) highlights both the scale of the opportunity and the ongoing challenges linked to illegal gambling and consumer protection.

Strong Revenue and Fiscal Impact

Since launching on 1 January 2025, licensed betting operators in Brazil have paid approximately BRL2.5bn in licence fees, alongside BRL95.5m in inspection fees. In parallel, the Federal Revenue Service reported close to BRL10bn in betting-related tax revenue during 2025, with BRL1.1bn collected in December alone.

SPA chief Regis Dudena said the availability of structured data marks a turning point for regulatory oversight, allowing authorities to better monitor compliance, understand player behaviour and coordinate with other government bodies on health, justice and sports policy.

Self-Exclusion System Gains Traction

Player protection has been a central focus for regulators. In December, the SPA launched a centralised self-exclusion platform covering all licensed operators. Within the first 40 days, more than 217,000 exclusion requests were submitted, with 73% opting for indefinite exclusion.

The most commonly cited reason was loss of control linked to mental health, reinforcing the importance of nationwide harm-prevention tools as the market matures.

Crackdown on Illegal Gambling

Despite regulatory progress, illegal gambling remains a significant concern. Authorities estimate unlicensed operators still account for up to half of total market activity.

To counter this, the SPA has blocked more than 25,000 offshore sites, initiated over 130 enforcement cases and disrupted financial flows linked to illegal betting. In 2025 alone, 550 bank accounts were closed following reports from payment institutions, while hundreds of influencer profiles and gambling-related posts were removed from social media.

Who Is Betting in Brazil?

Across 2025, 79 licensed operators reported 25.2 million active bettors. Men accounted for 68.3% of users, with women making up 31.7%. The most active age group was 31–40, followed by bettors aged 18–30. Players over 61 represented just 2.7% of the total audience.

Balancing Growth and Regulation

While Brazil’s first year of regulation demonstrates significant economic potential, policymakers face a delicate balance. Rising taxes and persistent illegal activity risk slowing channelisation if enforcement and consumer education do not keep pace.

Regulators have stressed that compliance will remain strictly enforced as Brazil seeks to strengthen legal participation, protect players and secure long-term market sustainability.

Sources: TRIX20, iGaming Business, SiGMA