Obtaining approval to operate in Brazil is essential for any business wishing to enter this fast-developing sector. Although the requirements may appear strict, they can be handled with thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the process.
Casino Market’s experts have prepared a guide that explains every step, including the roles of key regulators, financial duties, and compliance nuances. For operators, this information can open the door to one of the fastest-growing markets in Latin America.
Legal Background in Brazil
After years of planning, Brazil’s new law officially came into force on 1 January 2025. It took almost 7 years to reach this point, with various political changes slowing progress. The first licences were issued to 14 companies, and by August 2025, 78 brands had already been approved.
Several factors contribute to Brazil’s growing recognition:
- a large population exceeding 200 million;
- widespread mobile and internet access;
- strong passion for sports betting and gambling among locals.
Together, these factors create one of the most dynamic iGaming sectors for international businesses planning to enter the region.
Financial Trends and Growth
Before 2025, the unregulated space was estimated to be worth $3.4 billion (approximately £2.6 billion or €3.0 billion). The newly legalised framework brought an immediate monthly value of roughly BRL 3.1 billion, with long-term forecasts pointing to BRL 64 billion by 2030.
Market insights include:
- Rapid expansion. Brazil is expected to rank among the top 3 leaders in terms of global earnings.
- Revenue projection. H2 Gambling Capital forecasts GGR to reach $10 billion by 2029.
- Dominant interest in football. This discipline accounts for nearly 86% of total sports-related turnover.
While opportunities are huge, applicants face several challenges, such as:
- a non-refundable licence fee of up to BRL 30 million;
- mandatory financial reserves;
- total tax rates that may reach 50%.
Main Licensing Options
There are 3 main kinds of authorisation within Brazil’s framework:
- Federal approval. Issued by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), valid for 5 years and up to 3 brands.
- Provisional licence. Granted to applicants who paid the full fee but need more time for technical certification. Normally valid for 30 days, extendable if necessary.
- State-level permit. Offered by regional entities like Loterj (Rio de Janeiro) or Bodó. This type is legal only within specific territories and is less costly than the 5-year option.
Firms must meet several compliance requirements before gaining a federal licence:
- ISO-27001 certification for systems and servers;
- approved payment systems following Sicoaf and Bacen standards;
- independent testing from accredited organisations such as GLI or GA Labs.
Step-by-Step Licensing Procedure
Brazil allows a single approval covering both fixed-odds wagering and iGaming services.
The process follows these main stages:
- Register a business in Brazil. The entity must have at least 20% local ownership and undergo technical validation.
- Compile documentation. The SPA reviews financial, legal, and operational details in accordance with Portaria SPA/MF No. 827/2024.
- Send the electronic application. All submissions are handled through the SIGAP portal.
- Undergo official review. SPA has up to 150 days for assessment, while the Ministry of Sport adds 45 days for final confirmation.
- Complete payment. The BRL 30 million fee must be paid within 30 days after approval. Provisional permits may apply if documents are still under review.
After certification, all holders must adopt:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures;
- Know Your Customer (KYC) systems;
- Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) practices;
- exclusive “.bet.br” web domains;
- limited payment methods (no credit cards or cryptocurrency).
Brazil’s oversight structure involves several authorities with distinct duties:
- Ministry of Finance. Manages the overall regulation and supervision through the SPA.
- Ministry of Sport (MESP). Confirms approval and monitors the fairness of sports events.
- Federal Revenue Service (RFB). Handles taxation and compliance with fiscal codes.
- Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF). Collects and investigates reports on money laundering and terrorism funding.
- Central Bank (BCB). Oversees payment channels and prevents unapproved transactions.
- Bodies such as LOTERJ. Issue state-level approvals, but cannot operate nationwide following the 2025 court ruling.
The Main Things About the Brazil Licence
Brazil’s regulated iGaming sector is expected to experience rapid expansion over the next few years, offering stable growth and long-term potential for international businesses. Holding a proper licence will be key to establishing trust, ensuring compliance, and gaining a competitive advantage.
Key reminders for a successful application are:
- registering a local company with at least 20% domestic ownership;
- completing all certifications for systems and servers;
- submitting the online application via SIGAP and paying the mandatory fee;
- maintaining compliance with AML, KYC, and CTF obligations;
- following regional and federal updates to keep the permit active.
By investing early in proper licensing and transparent operations, businesses can help shape Brazil’s iGaming landscape and become key contributors to its future global success.
Contact Casino Market’s specialists to obtain a licence in the most promising jurisdictions. Our studio also offers high-quality entertainment content and tailored business solutions for sale or rent.
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