Obtaining a Brazil gambling licence is essential for operators entering the regulated market. Learn the costs, requirements and steps to secure approval.
The legalisation of online gambling in Brazil essentially opened the door to an industry that many betting companies are interested in. It may seem difficult to enter Brazil’s gaming market at first. This article aims to walk you through the whole process of obtaining a Brazil gaming licence. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to successfully navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
Key points:
- To successfully start a gambling business in Brazil, you will need to secure a federal licence that costs BRL30 million.
- The licence allows a five-year operating period and up to three brands.
- Brazil gaming licence requirements include AML, KYC, CTF measures and use of ‘.bet.br’ domains.
An overview of Brazil’s online gambling market
It took nearly seven years to successfully legalise online gambling in Brazil. Indeed, the process of legalising Brazilian betting has been far from straightforward. After overcoming delays caused by shifting priorities and political uncertainty, the regulated online market finally launched on 1 January 2025.
International betting operators appear to have a massive interest in Latin America’s largest regulated betting economy. The pace of growth in licensed operators has been remarkable. At the beginning, there were 14 licensed operators on the launch date. By August 2025, the number of licensed operators had increased to 78 already.
The large sports fan base in Brazil and high internet penetration rates give rise to a fertile environment for new entrants. If you want to start a betting business in Brazil but are new to the market, here’s a detailed beginner’s guide on how to properly set up a Brazilian gambling business.
Brazil gaming licence at a glance
The government has officially set the rules for its sports betting and online gaming industry. Operating as a department within the Ministry of Finance, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) is responsible for regulating the legal online betting market in Brazil.
Not only does the SPA award federal online betting licenses, but it also plays a central role in the implementation and enforcement of Law No 14,790/2023.
Law No 14,790/2023 is pivotal in the development of Brazil’s gambling landscape. As the legal basis for regulation, it outlines how to apply for a Brazil iGaming licence.
To apply for the licence, your company must be established in Brazil with at least 20% Brazilian capital and undergo a rigorous technical certification process for your betting systems. There will also be ongoing audits to maintain compliance.
The application fee for a federal betting licence in Brazil is BRL30 million. It lasts for five years and allows for up to three brands. After getting your licence, you are also mandated to implement the following:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
- Strict Know Your Customer (KYC)
- Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF)
- Exclusively ‘.bet.br’ domains
- Restricting payments to electronic transfers
- Prohibiting credit cards and cryptocurrency
The development of the Brazil gaming licence
Historically, gambling has been considered illegal. For example, “jogo de azar” (games of chance) and the popular “jogo do bicho” remain explicitly illegal under Decree-Law 3,688/1941 and Decree-Law 6,259/1944.
Religion has also shaped the direction of Brazil’s gambling laws. It has influenced both historic bans and illicit modern-day debates. Reportedly, President Eurico Gaspar Dutra outlawed gambling in 1946 at the urging of his deeply religious wife, shutting down casinos and entertainment venues.
Ever since, the betting scene in Brazil has largely existed in the shadows for 80 years. Decades later, Senator Eduardo Girão also claims online betting has “destroyed lives” and fuelled money laundering, as he called legalisation a “mistake” that should be reversed.
Fast forward, the Brazilian government put forward Law No 13,756 in 2018 to create fixed-odds betting as a legal option in the country. They later established Law No 14,790/2023, setting the regulatory framework for their sports betting and online gaming industry, as well as how to get a Brazil gaming licence.
Brazil gambling market snapshot
Brazilian players are the world’s largest source of gambling website traffic. As of 2024, they accounted for 15% of global visits. Before regulation, experts estimated the value of Brazil’s grey market for online betting and iGaming to be $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion/€3.0 billion) in November 2024.
After regulation, the Q1 2025 estimation of the legal market was around BRL3.1 billion per month. Supported by data from H2 Gambling Capital (H2GC), a market intelligence report by OKTO and iGB projects that the Brazilian online betting market could reach BRL64 billion in GGR by 2030 in view of the increasing competitiveness of the market.
Is online gambling legal now in Brazil?
Yes – online gambling is now legal in Brazil. The regulated online betting market officially launched on 1 January 2025 after an 80-year gambling prohibition. The legalisation of online gambling in Brazil has, in fact, faced several delays since its initial approval by the National Congress in November 2018. These delays include persistent political opposition and pushback from various sectors, including gambling addiction and religious opposition.
After seven years, the Brazil market finally received the final green light in December 2023 and is now open to regulated operators. Operators have to follow a strict licensing process and compliance audits to secure a Brazil gambling licence.
What are the different types of Brazil gambling licences?
There are currently three types of online gambling licences available in Brazil. Betting operators must also undergo strict certification processes to apply for and maintain the federal licence. To name a few:
- Technical certifications for betting systems and servers, such as ISO-27001
- Payment systems that meet Sicoaf/Bacen standards according to Portaria SPA/MF 1,143/2024
- Certifications issued by third-party certifying entities such as Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and Gaming Associates Labs (GA Lab)
Type 1 – Federal licence
This is the primary licence issued by the SPA. The five-year licence allows operators to run up to three “skins” or brands. International betting brands, such as Bet365, Betfair and Betano, have all secured this licence early to take on the market. All licence applications are to be submitted via the SIGAP portal to the SPA.
Type 2 – Provisional licence
The SPA also grants provisional licences to companies that have paid the BRL30 million (£3.9 million/€4.7 million/$4.8 million) licence fee but are facing delays with their technical certifications or other application issues. These licences typically last 30 days. Further extensions are available if the companies require additional time to complete the full application.
Type 3 – State or municipal licence
Some state lotteries, such as the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) and certain municipalities like Bodó have also issued their licences. These state and municipal licences are generally less expensive than the federal licence issued by the SPA. Therefore, the final cost of a licence depends on the scope of your business.
How to obtain a Brazil gaming licence?
Unlike some emerging markets, Brazil allows a full suite of wagering products. Therefore, you don’t need separate licences for sports betting and online casino operations. Instead, a single federal licence covers both fixed-odds sports betting and online casino games. Games such as slots and crash games are also included. Below are the steps to obtain a Brazil gaming licence.
Brazil gambling licence requirements
You must meet strict requirements across legal, fiscal, financial and technical aspects in order to obtain a federal licence for fixed-odds betting in Brazil. You must demonstrate financial stability, technical proficiency and compliance with Brazilian law to operate an online betting business in Brazil.
How to submit the application?
To obtain a Brazil gambling licence, you will need to submit an application to the SPA. You must submit all application forms and supporting documents via SPA’s electronic platform, the SIGAP (Sistema de Gestão de Apostas).
The application will then be reviewed and, if approved, a licence will be issued. It is important to comply with all regulations and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful licensing process.
The SIGAP has provided a step-by-step guide for you to complete your application. One thing to note is that you will need an e-CPJ or an e-CNPJ digital certificate to access or log into the portal.
What’s the timeline?
The official launch date of the legal market was 1 January 2025. The initial application window for the first batch of federal licences opened in May and closed on 20 August 2024.
The 90-day window of preference after the release of Ordinance 827 allowed applications to be prioritised and proceeded with before the market went live on 1 January 2025.
Expect the process to take up to 180 days if you apply after the August deadline. The SPA usually replies within 150 days of submission through SIGAP. Once you get approval, you’ll have 30 days to pay the BRL30 million concession fee.
Another key deadline to remember is that if you are granted a provisional licence, you will have 30 days to submit your required documents to the SPA.
You can apply through SIGAP whenever you like, but it’s important to plan ahead with the timeline above.
How much does a Brazil gaming licence cost?
Getting started costs BRL30 million for a five-year licence. After that, operators face a 12% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) plus a 34% corporate tax on profits, along with other contributions. When you add GGR tax, corporate tax, social contributions and municipal levies, the total tax burden can climb to nearly 50%.
Comparing Brazil’s gambling licences: Which one is the most affordable?
You might wonder – is it worth getting the federal licence in this case? Here’s a breakdown of the two main licences for betting operators.
| Category | Federal (SPA) | State (LOTERJ) |
| Licence Fee | BRL30 million | BRL5 million |
| Licence Term | Five-year term | Five-year term |
| Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Tax | Currently 12% of GGR. Proposed to increase to 18% of GGR via a provisional measure. | 5% of GGR |
| Corporate Taxes & Contributions | Around 34% of profits (25% Corporate Income Tax, 9% Social Contribution). Additional 9.25% PIS/Cofins tax and up to 5% municipal taxes. | Generally less restrictive regulations and compliance costs compared to federal. |
| Overall Tax Burden (Estimated) | Nearing 50% when all taxes (GGR, corporate, social contributions, municipal and potential consumption tax) are combined. | Significantly lower than federal, though a specific overall percentage is not provided. |
Step-by-step application process
We know getting a licence could be an exhaustive process. Operators need to meet a high standard of requirements to get a licence approval. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved in obtaining a gambling licence in Brazil.
1. Register a business
This is the initial foundational step, as you must legally establish your company in Brazil based on the criteria we discussed above before commencing the licensing process.
2. Gather documents
The SPA will thoroughly evaluate your legal qualification as well as financial and technical setup to ensure adherence to its regulations.
You may refer to Portaria SPA/MF nº 827/2024 for the full list of required documents.
3. Submit your application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and met the prerequisites, you can then submit the application online. The SPA only accepts electronic submissions through the System for Management of Betting (SIGAP).
4. Review and verification
After you have submitted the electronic application, the SPA has up to 150 days to review the request. In case of insufficient and incomplete information, the SPA may request complementary documents at any point during the evaluation.
After the SPA’s preliminary review, the Ministry of Sport (MESP) has up to 45 days to approve the application.
5. Get the licence
The issuance of the licence marks the final stage of the application. Once the SPA has given the green light to the initial documentation, they will notify you to pay the licence fee of BRL30 million. You will then have up to 30 days to submit the payment receipt and any remaining pending documents.
The SPA would grant provisional licences to applicants that have met most requirements but have pending documents, such as technical certificates. The provisional licence usually lasts for 30 days. You may extend your authorisation once again for 90 days. However, if you do not meet the deadlines, the SPA may suspend or revoke your provisional authorisation.
The regulatory landscape in Brazil
Having gone through an 80-year grey period, Brazil’s online betting market has undergone a comprehensive regulatory overhaul. It has transformed a historically largely unregulated environment into a federally licensed and closely monitored industry.
What are the regulatory bodies and their respective functions?
The main regulatory bodies for online betting in Brazil and their key functions are as follows:
The central governmental body responsible for regulating and supervising fixed-odds betting operators in Brazil. The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) serves as Brazil’s federal gambling regulator. It was established by Law No 14,790/2023 in December 2023. Also known as “Lei das Apostas” or “Betting Law”, the law regulates the iGaming market nationwide, including both fixed-odds betting, virtual casino-style games and lottery.
- The Ministry of Sport (MESP):
MESP must confirm their approval after the SPA’s review. They play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of sports events and betting.
- Special Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil (RFB):
The RFB is responsible for revenue collection and tax codes related to lotteries and prizes.
- Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF):
The COAF is responsible for collecting information regarding anti-money laundering (AML) and the prevention of terrorism financing (FTP).
- Central Bank of Brazil (BCB):
The Central Bank disciplines payment arrangements to prevent transactions intended for non-authorised operators.
- State-level authorities (e.g. LOTERJ):
LOTERJ, on the other hand, is a state-level licensing entity whose mandate was historically limited to state lotteries. On 2 January 2025, Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) barred Loterj-licensed brands from operating beyond Rio de Janeiro’s borders. It was a setback for certain operators, especially when it costs less at BRL5 million than the federal licence for the same timespan.
Why get a Brazil gaming licence?
Aside from the fact that it’s illegal to operate without a federal licence now, obtaining a gaming license in Brazil serves as a “stamp of approval” from the Brazilian government. As an operator, you can show your commitment to the market, which is vital for gaining customer trust.
If you have eyes on sponsoring top football clubs in Brazil, getting a Brazil gaming licence is also a must for you. This is because only licensed operators with the required ‘bet.br’ domain are permitted to sponsor teams or sporting events.
The GGR projection of the Brazilian market
Brazil is one of the world’s largest economies and is anticipated to become a major global gambling hub. Its regulatory launch has opened up immense potential, driven by its large population, vibrant sports culture and expected substantial revenue generation.
- Top Global Market: Brazil is poised to become a top-three global market for online betting.
- GGR Projection: H2 Gambling Capital (H2GC) forecasts the online Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) of the regulated Brazilian market to reach $10 billion in GGR by 2029.
- Sports Betting Dominance and iGaming Growth: Sports betting is the superior vertical currently, forecast to account for 55% of online GGR in 2025, with football driving 86% of the sports betting GGR, according to H2GC.
- Land-Based Potential: There have been ongoing discussions regarding the legislative action to approve land-based casinos.
Key consideration
Despite the vast potential in the Brazilian market, there are a few things you need to consider. The decision to apply for a Brazil gaming licence involves navigating a complex landscape defined by intense market competition and taxation unpredictability.
Profitability is also uncertain, as operators must contend with a non-refundable licence fee of up to R$30 million, mandatory financial reserves and an effective tax burden approaching 50%, which industry groups warn could push activity toward unregulated channels.
Brazil gambling licence FAQs
What are the financial requirements for obtaining a gambling license in Brazil?
To obtain a federal licence in Brazil, a gambling business must pay a significant BRL30 million licensing fee for a five-year operating period and up to three brands. In addition to this, operators must also establish a financial reserve of at least BRL5,000,000. The reserve must be held in federal public securities registered in the Selic system.
How to submit a license application?
Interested operators must submit all online betting license applications to the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) via the Betting Management System (SIGAP).
What is the current Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax in Brazil?
The current GGR tax rate is 12%. However, there’s a provisional measure to increase the rate to 18%, which is to be determined in October 2025.
Is online gambling legal in Brazil?
Yes, online gambling is now legal in Brazil, having officially launched as a regulated market on 1 January 2025. It has ended approximately 80 years of gambling prohibition in the country.
Are foreign betting operators allowed to operate in Brazil?
Yes, foreign entities are permitted to operate in Brazil if they adhere to the regulatory framework. Foreign companies must establish a company in Brazil with at least 20% of its capital held by a Brazilian individual to obtain a federal license.
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