At the end of 2023, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva officially signed Law No. 14,790, which legalized both land-based and licensed sports betting, while setting the regulatory tone for the entire iGaming industry. This landmark legislation marked a watershed moment in the history of the Latin American gambling market.

Starting from January 1, 2025, the new regulations officially came into effect—signifying what many call the true first year of Brazil’s gambling industry. In other words, we are now witnessing history unfold for Brazilian gambling. It’s no wonder that “Brazil gambling” has become one of the hottest topics in the industry. At this very moment, the future of Brazil’s iGaming market is being written.

Brazil, as the world’s sixth most populous country and Latin America’s largest economy, has a unique combination of passionate sports fans and one of the highest mobile internet penetration rates globally. Nobody wants to miss this opportunity. But here’s the real question—should you enter the market now or wait and see? And for those already operating in Brazil, how should they fully upgrade in terms of regulatory compliance, payment integration, system stability, and marketing conversion?

At TC-Gaming White Label, we believe that after 2026, the Brazilian market will enter the stage where regulation and technology converge. It will no longer be about “speed to market,” but about “long-term survival.” For operators not yet in Brazil, this may be the final window of opportunity. For platforms already running, it will be a systemic stress test. Today, let’s take a closer look at this awakening gambling giant—Brazil.

Is Gambling Legal in Brazil?

From Prohibition to Legalization

The development of gambling in Brazil has not been smooth. Since 1946, Brazil had implemented a sweeping ban on land-based gambling, leading to the closure of casinos nationwide. Even as the internet era began, iGaming was considered illegal and remained in a regulatory vacuum. For more than a decade, the government made repeated attempts to introduce restrictions.

For a long time, only two forms of gambling were officially legal in Brazil:

Where Did the Turning Point Begin?

The shift started in 2016, when Brazil hosted the first Brazilian Gaming Congress, attracting international investors and gambling technology providers.

By 2018, the government proposed creating a unified national regulatory framework to clarify the legality of iGaming. However, political instability and the global pandemic delayed progress.

It wasn’t until December 30, 2023, that the breakthrough finally arrived. President Lula signed Law No. 14,790, officially legalizing sports betting and placing iGaming under regulated management. From January 1, 2025, the law entered into full implementation.

Are Casino-Style Games Legal in Brazil’s iGaming Market?

Although many platforms have already launched slots, baccarat, and similar games, these casino-style products are not yet officially legalized. However, industry experts widely predict that 2026 will be a decisive year, with a regulatory framework likely to be finalized before then.

• Sports betting: Legal and fully operational now
• Casino games: Not legalized yet, but policy changes are on the horizon
• As of July 2025, Brazil’s Senate once again postponed voting on land-based casino legislation. However, a recent government-backed survey revealed that 60% of Brazilian adults support the legalization of land-based gambling.

Brazil’s New iGaming Regulations

Licensing Requirements

Under Brazil’s current iGaming regulations, any platform wishing to legally operate in the country must obtain an official five-year license.

The cost of applying is around €6 million (approx. RMB 45 million). While the fee is steep, it grants operators the legal status to participate in Brazil’s fast-growing iGaming market.

In addition, every iGaming platform must establish a local company in Brazil, with at least 20% of the shares held by Brazilian nationals.

Changes in the iGaming Tax Structure

Brazil’s new legislation introduces a dual tax system, affecting both operators and players. Compared with international standards, the tax burden is relatively high:

• For operators: A 12% tax is applied on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR), representing a direct operational cost.
• For players: A new system requires winnings to be taxed at 15%.

Currently, the GGR tax rate is set at 12%, but a new proposal has temporarily raised it to 18%. Congress will vote in October on whether to make this increase permanent.

Compliance Becoming More Expensive—and More Difficult

Beyond licensing fees and local shareholder requirements, Brazil’s latest proposals are tightening restrictions, creating heavier compliance challenges for iGaming operators.

Higher Gambling Age: Proposal PL 3,754/2025 suggests raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, which would exclude a significant portion of the current user base.

Betting Limits: A monthly betting cap will be enforced, limiting players to no more than the national minimum wage of BRL 1,518 (approx. USD 276) across all licensed iGaming platforms.

Advertising Restrictions

1. Ads will only be allowed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
2. iGaming sponsorships and branding will be banned in schools, universities, sports and cultural events, and public festivals.
3. All promotional activities targeting individuals under 21 will be strictly prohibited.

Overview of Brazil’s iGaming Market

From traditional horse racing, lotteries, and bingo to today’s booming iGaming sector, gambling has long been deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. Overall, Brazilians carry a “born-to-play” spirit—sociable, passionate about games, with football as a religion and betting as a source of daily fun. With a population of 214 million and an internet penetration rate exceeding 77%, Brazil naturally has the foundations to become a hotspot for iGaming. Add to that the nation’s sports DNA and gaming enthusiasm, and it’s clear: Brazil’s presence in the global iGaming landscape is rapidly rising. The question is no longer “if it will explode,” but “when the market will fully take off.”

What Language Does Brazil Use?

While English is the global business language, it isn’t enough to rely on English-only platforms when entering Brazil’s iGaming market. Here, localization is not an optional bonus—it is the baseline requirement for establishing a foothold.

In Brazil, offering a Portuguese-language version of a platform is essential, as 98% of Brazilians speak Portuguese as their mother tongue. In a culture where social connections and emotional resonance matter, language is more than just a communication tool—it’s the first gateway to true localization.

Brazil’s iGaming Market Size

According to Statista, Brazil’s iGaming market is projected to reach €3 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.82%. By 2026, the number of active players is expected to surpass 40 million—a scale large enough to command serious attention from any international iGaming provider.

Player Profile: Mobile-First, Young, and Socially Driven

1. Device usage: Mobile-first. The vast majority of players place bets via smartphones.
2. Demographics: A young audience dominates, with ages 18–35 forming the core active group.
3. Behavioral preferences: Brazilian players value trust in a platform—legitimacy, safety, and reliability are top priorities. They expect smooth and stable payment channels, along with attractive engagement mechanics such as deposit bonuses, task rewards, and loyalty programs.

Compared with players in Europe and North America, Brazilian users are more entertainment-driven and easier to build loyalty with. Once trust is established and the experience is positive, their engagement and participation levels are remarkably high.

What Types of iGaming Do Brazilians Prefer?

When it comes to iGaming in Brazil, the most popular category by far is sports betting. And within sports betting, football leads the pack. As the home of the five-time World Cup champions, Brazil is a nation where football dominates—from packed stadiums to lively beach games.

1. Slot Game Preferences Brazilian users tend to favor localized slot themes that reflect South American culture, tropical settings, and upbeat rhythms. Fast-paced, colorful designs resonate strongly with the local audience.
2. Live Dealer Games Among live dealer options, roulette holds the top spot in popularity. It is followed by Texas Hold’em poker and baccarat, which also attract loyal players.

Sports Betting: The Core of Brazilian iGaming

In Brazil, sports betting is not just an “add-on” to iGaming platforms—it is the core demand. For operators preparing to enter the Brazilian market, the first rule is clear: sports betting and casino services must be seamlessly integrated into a unified iGaming brand.

In Brazil, sports betting is not an "add-on" but a "core need." The activity of sports betting users in Brazil is very high:

1. Nearly one-third of Brazilian users place sports bets multiple times per week.
2. Around 8% bet on sports daily.

With Brazil being the most populous country in Latin America, this combination of high activity and a massive user base makes it one of the most promising iGaming markets in the region.

Sports Betting: The Core of Brazilian iGaming

In Brazil, sports betting is not just a part of iGaming—it is the core entry point of the entire platform. Any iGaming operator planning to enter the Brazilian market must seamlessly integrate sports betting with casino products under a unified iGaming brand. In a country where sports are a national passion, ignoring sports betting essentially means giving up more than half of the potential user base.

According to research from TGM, nearly one-third of Brazilians place sports bets several times a week, with about 8% of users betting daily. Considering Brazil is the most populous country in Latin America, this level of engagement combined with its large user base creates a highly active and scalable market.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, positioning early around major sporting events will undoubtedly become a key growth driver throughout the year. For operators seeking long-term success, the ones who can establish a complete ecosystem of “sports + entertainment + content” first will have the best chance of securing a strong foothold in the Brazilian iGaming market.

Note: Localized odds and event content will be critical to attracting users. Dynamically adjusting odds based on data from popular players can significantly boost user stickiness and betting frequency. And don’t forget basketball and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Rise of Esports

When it comes to competitive categories, football remains the absolute battlefield for Brazilian bettors. However, beyond football, basketball, poker, and horse racing also enjoy a loyal player base. At the same time, esports is quickly becoming the entry point for the next generation of Brazilian iGaming players. According to Statista’s forecast, by 2027 Brazil’s esports audience will surpass 24 million, providing a clear opportunity window for iGaming platforms to attract younger users.

Why Brazilians Bet

1. 60% of sports betting users do it for entertainment.
2. 13% view it as a social activity—making predictions with friends, watching matches, and placing casual bets.
3. Around 12% of players are driven by income motives.

Brazil iGaming Payments and Crypto Trends

For iGaming platforms, offering payment methods preferred by local players directly affects user conversion rates and retention experience.

Brazil’s Payment Structure: Coexistence of Cash and Digital

Brazil’s payment landscape still operates on a dual-track system of cash and digital payments. According to multiple international consulting firms, although Brazil’s payment environment is gradually modernizing, traditional habits, trust issues, and financial accessibility mean that slow payments and cash-based methods remain mainstream to some extent. Currently, Brazilian users’ payment preferences are roughly:

1. 54% use digital payments
2. 46% still prefer cash-based tools

Core Payment Methods in Brazilian iGaming

1. Pix: The Current “Payment King” Launched by the Central Bank of Brazil, Pix is now the most widely used real-time payment system nationwide. It does not rely on traditional bank apps, supports 24/7 instant transfers, charges very low fees, and almost all mobile users can access it.
2. Boleto: Traditional but Still Popular Boleto is a local paper or digital payment voucher system, introduced in 1993. Payment is slower (usually takes 1–3 business days), but it remains a primary option for users without credit cards, especially in secondary cities or among cash-preferring users.
3. E-Wallets: Rising Local Alternatives Local e-wallets such as Pay4Fun and Evino are gaining traction. Adoption rates are increasing, and users’ trust in security is improving.
4. Card Payments: Basic Requirement with “Dual Compatibility” Supporting international cards (Visa, MasterCard) is essential, but local card types (such as Hipercard and Elo) must also be supported. Failure to do so risks losing many iGaming users.

Additional Notes: There are voucher-type payments (e.g., physical Boleto or prepaid cards) that still carry certain risks. They may be exploited for arbitrage through delayed settlement times or used for anonymous payments that conceal user identity.

Cryptocurrency iGaming Trends in Brazil

In Brazil’s iGaming market, cryptocurrency is becoming an essential payment option for platforms. Despite overall market volatility in 2022, mainstream cryptocurrencies such as BTC and USDT have shown a recovery trend since 2023, and this shift is also reflected in the iGaming industry.

Research data covering more than 860 iGaming brands worldwide shows that in the first three quarters of 2023, cryptocurrency wagers accounted for nearly one-third of total bets. Another statistic from Bet Count indicates that crypto wagering volume increased by over 50% year-over-year, demonstrating that acceptance within the gambling community is not only stable but continues to grow.

As early as 2021, cryptocurrency trading volume in Brazil had reached $38 billion. By the end of 2022, the government officially passed cryptocurrency regulation laws, providing a clearer development path for this payment method. Although authorities have not yet explicitly allowed the direct use of crypto assets for betting, from a technical standpoint, crypto payments are almost impossible to block in Brazil.

Consequently, more platforms are adopting a “fiat gateway + crypto conversion” strategy. Users can deposit via local payment systems, such as PIX, and then convert their balances into USDT or other cryptocurrencies for wagering. This approach not only complies with regulatory requirements but also meets the needs of high-net-worth players seeking anonymity and asset flexibility. As public and government acceptance of crypto assets continues to rise, incorporating cryptocurrency into the payment mix is no longer an experimental feature. Instead, it has become a necessary preparation for platforms to capture the Brazilian iGaming market and serve premium gambling users effectively.

Summary

In the view of TC-Gaming White Label, the Brazilian iGaming market is the crown jewel of the Latin American market, with its growth potential in iGaming beyond doubt.

With the gradual implementation of the new regulatory framework, this market—long operating in a gray area—has finally reached a crucial turning point toward legalization. This transformation presents opportunities not only for iGaming platform operators but also poses a comprehensive technical challenge for white label iGaming providers.

We understand that in a newly opened but increasingly regulated market, it is not enough to simply be legal—you also need to be flexible. It is not enough to go live—you must also be able to run the entire business cycle smoothly. Currently, traditional advertising channels remain limited; for example, Google Ads and television media are not yet fully accessible. However, licensed platforms can conduct limited promotion while complying with advertising responsibility regulations. Therefore, platforms must strike a balance between “compliance constraints” and “business growth,” relying on mature and robust operational strategies to expand their iGaming user base, such as:

1. Building a high-quality affiliate network
2. Publishing brand content on iGaming news platforms
3. Utilizing SEO and pay-per-click campaigns to drive high-quality traffic
4. Establishing a trust system for the platform to create long-term credibility

At this stage, choosing a white label iGaming provider that truly understands Brazil, can offer customized deployment, and supports growth strategies will determine whether your platform can scale quickly, operate sustainably, and maintain stability. TC-Gaming White Label is precisely the partner capable of guiding you through the regulatory transition and providing localized white label iGaming solutions.