Brazil: Finance Minister reaffirms push for 18% betting tax rate

Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad reaffirmed that the Federal Government continues to advocate for an 18% tax rate on operators, maintaining the position first outlined.
Speaking on CNN Brasil, Haddad emphasised that the administration’s stance has not changed, despite Congress approving a lower rate of 12% in last year’s bill.
“In relation to operators, the Government’s proposal has always been 18%. We sent the bill in 2023 with this rate. Congress approved 12% and, in light of fiscal adjustment needs, we are once again requesting the 18% originally proposed. But Congress has the final say,” Haddad said.
The proposal is currently under the review of Senator Eduardo Braga, who has requested additional data from the Ministry of Finance before finalizing his report.
Haddad noted that the ministry intends to send the requested information.
According to the minister, Senate leaders, including Davi Alcolumbre, Brazil’s Senate President, have suggested coordinating the bill’s progress with the Chamber of Deputies to avoid procedural disputes.
“I believe the Senate may vote on the text next week, but before that, a consultation with the Chamber will be carried out, as requested by Senator Alcolumbre, to prevent misunderstandings,” Haddad added.
The push to restore the higher tax rate aligns with the Government’s plan to increase fiscal revenue without resorting to spending cuts.
The Ministry of Finance argues that the expanded 18% levy would strengthen Brazil’s regulatory framework while ensuring fair contribution from licensed betting operators in a rapidly growing market.
Still, some stakeholders have criticized the measure, arguing it risks undermining the regulated sector.
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.