Brazil reaches 17.7 million users as 15,463 illegal sites are blocked
Ministry of Finance releases first comprehensive data on Brazil’s regulated betting sector, showing enforcement actions against illegal operations.
Key Points
- Gross gaming revenue reached BR17.4bn with average spending of BR983 per bettor during the semester
- Men represent 71% of participants, with the 31-40 age group accounting for the largest share at 27.8%
- Authorities closed 255 accounts linked to illegal betting activities and removed 112 influencer pages promoting unauthorized operators
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance Secretariat for Prizes and Betting has released data showing that 17.7 million Brazilians participated in fixed-odds betting during the first semester of 2025.
According to the Government, 15,463 sites have been blocked from illegal betting operations since October 2024 in a joint effort with the National Telecommunications Agency to enforce regulations.
Since the new regulations were implemented in 2025, following a period with proper oversight since legalization in 2018, the regulated betting market operates with 78 authorized companies that are monitored by authorities.
During the period, the secretariat conducted 66 inspection processes involving 93 betting companies, resulting in sanctions being applied in 35 cases.
The General Betting Management System also shows demographic data: 71% of bettors are men and 28.9% are women. The age group with the most participants is 31 to 40 years old, representing 27.8% of all bettors. Those aged 18 to 25 account for 22.4%, while the 25 to 30 age group represents 22.2% of participants.
Total gross gaming revenue for authorized companies reached BR17.4bn ($3.22bn) in the first semester. This figure represents total bets minus prizes paid, indicating actual spending by bettors.
Government efforts against illegal betting included cooperation with financial and tech firms. Authorities received 277 reports from 24 institutions, leading to the closure of over 300 accounts linked to irregular operators.
Good to know: The Brazilian Permanent Subcommittee on Sports Betting Regulation said the country’s main challenge is the rapid growth of illegal platforms, not the regulated market
Brazil’s Secretariat signed an agreement with the country’s Digital Council, which brings together tech giants such as Google, Meta, TikTok, Kwai and Amazon, to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling ads. The partnership has already led to 120 enforcement actions, removing 112 influencer pages and 146 posts.
Finally, tax collection from betting companies totaled approximately BR3.8bn in the first semester of 2025, according to Federal Revenue data. This includes federal taxes and 12% social contributions, which generated BR2.14bn.
The secretariat collected approximately BR2.2bn from authorization grants paid by licensed operators and about BR50m in inspection fees during the period.
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