Overview of Online Gambling in Brazil
Even though online gambling is currently legal in Brazil, the regulatory landscape has some grey areas and continues to evolve. The government has made efforts to modernise its approach, with ongoing discussions about clearer guidelines and stronger regulations.
A significant step in the legalisation of online gambling in Brazil was the approval of fixed-odds sports betting, though it comes with stringent regulations. Gambling practices, which include online gaming, are overseen by the Ministry of Finance. Its primary goal is to protect players and encourage responsible gambling among citizens.
Gambling Regulations in Brazil
In recent years, Brazil has made significant efforts towards regulating gambling. Law No. 13,756/2018 legalised fixed-odds sports betting but required detailed implementation rules, which were provided through a 2024 decree outlining licensing, taxation, and operational standards. In July 2023, the Brazilian Congress introduced the “Betting Bill,” later signed into law as Law No. 14,790/2023, further consolidating Brazil’s gambling framework.
- Only gambling platforms with headquarters and administration in Brazil and authorised by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance are allowed to operate within the country.
- Licensed operators are subject to taxes on gross gaming revenue, with proceeds allocated to public services such as education and healthcare.
- Operators must provide players with clear information about gambling rules, the risks involved, and operators’ data protection measures.
- Brazil’s licensed casino operators are required to provide online games with a minimum RTP rate of 85%. The rule applies to all regulated games, such as online slots and card games, and is part of the broader consumer protection measures outlined in the regulatory framework introduced in 2024.
- Winnings at locally regulated sports betting and casino sites are subject to tax. This is why international tax-free casinos are quite popular among residents.
With strict regulations targeted towards operators of gambling sites, many Brazilians visit offshore casinos in order to have a broader range of options.
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