Brazil’s regulated online betting market generated $7bn in gross gaming revenue in its first year of operation. New data highlights strong tax returns, growing player participation, and increased regulatory oversight.
Brazil’s regulated online betting market generated approximately BRL 37 billion ($7 billion) in gross gaming revenue in 2025, marking a strong first year following the launch of the country’s licensed framework on January 1.
According to data released by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the results reflect the first period in which the Brazilian state exercised full regulatory oversight of the online betting sector. A total of 79 licensed operators were active during the year, collectively paying around BRL 2.5 billion in licence fees, with each licence priced at BRL 30 million. An additional BRL 95.5 million was collected through inspection fees.
Tax receipts from the sector also proved significant. Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service reported that nearly BRL 10 billion in tax revenue was collected from licensed betting activities in 2025, including BRL 1.1 billion in December alone.
SPA head Regis Dudena said the data gathered during the market’s first year will be used to refine regulatory measures, particularly those aimed at player protection and harm prevention. He noted that improved access to economic and player data has strengthened the regulator’s ability to monitor compliance and coordinate with other government bodies, including the ministries of health, sports and justice.
As part of its responsible gambling strategy, the SPA launched a centralised self-exclusion platform in December, allowing players to block access to all licensed betting sites. In its first 40 days, the platform recorded more than 217,000 self-exclusion requests, with the majority linked to concerns over loss of control related to mental health. Around 73% of users opted for indefinite exclusion.
Despite the strong performance of the licensed market, regulators remain concerned about illegal operators. Estimates suggest unlicensed platforms may still account for up to half of Brazil’s total betting activity, while a recent legal change will gradually raise the betting tax rate to 15%.
To combat illegal activity, authorities reported blocking more than 25,000 offshore betting sites and taking enforcement action against unlicensed operators, financial intermediaries, and social media influencers involved in illegal gambling promotion.
In total, licensed operators reported 25.2 million active bettors in 2025, with participation highest among players aged 31 to 40.
