The Official Portrait of Betting in Brazil
Brazil.– September 17, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The Ministry of Finance, through the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, has released the first official report on fixed-odds betting activity in Brazil. Presented by Secretary Régis Dudena, the report marks a milestone by providing concrete data on the sector.
The numbers confirm trends already observed by operators and analysts, such as the fact that most bettors are between 25 and 40 years old, a group of adults already integrated into productive life.
This data helps to dispel prejudices and reinforces that betting consumption occurs mainly among citizens with stability and responsibilities. Another highlight is the average monthly spending of around R$ 164 per bettor, a figure aligned with leisure activities. This amount is comparable, for example, to the price of two tickets to a football match, reinforcing the view that betting belongs to the entertainment universe.
This understanding is further supported by broader consumer behavior. A Nielsen survey for Pluxee shows that, between 2019 and 2023, the share of leisure expenses in Brazilian family budgets rose from 3.80% to 4.20%. Spending on dining out (from 2.60% to 2.80%), parties (2.70%), beauty care (2.40%), and pets (2%) also increased. These data reveal that Brazilians are gradually regaining purchasing power and prioritizing well-being and entertainment experiences.
The Ministry’s report also highlights concrete efforts to combat illegality. More than 15,000 unauthorized sites were blocked in a joint operation with Anatel and other agencies. In Dudena’s words: “Combating the illegal market is essential not only to protect consumers but also to ensure that revenue reaches public coffers and supports public policies.” Tax collection has already exceeded R$ 2.1 billion in the first half of the year, underscoring the sector’s economic relevance.
However, a study by Instituto Locomotiva in partnership with the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) shows that the illegal betting market remains significant. Almost 46% of Brazilian bettors have wagered money on illegal platforms. The survey also revealed that 78% of bettors struggle to identify whether a platform is legal or not.
When confronted with a list of over sixty illegal sites, 73% of respondents admitted to having used them. Bettors pointed out the absence of facial recognition requirements and the possibility of using credit cards or cryptocurrencies as clear signs that the sites were illicit.
In response, the regulated market and the government have joined forces to promote responsible gaming and fight illegality. The Ministry of Finance’s regulations require operators to adopt practices such as betting limits, self-exclusion tools, and clear information on risks. The IBJR, which represents 75% of the regulated market, advocates for a safe ecosystem and works against illegal betting platforms that threaten public security. Enforcement has intensified, with thousands of unauthorized sites blocked, and regulations include the ban on cash or boleto deposits, as well as mandatory facial recognition to combat money laundering.
In summary, the official report demonstrates that the Brazilian iGaming sector has consolidated itself as an entertainment activity with a mature and responsible consumer profile. However, the IBJR-Locomotiva study highlights the urgent need to fight illegality, showing that lack of information and difficulty in identifying illicit platforms remain major challenges.
The agenda is now clear: strengthen regulation, ensure sustainability, and guarantee that the benefits of this industry are fully shared with Brazilian society.
By Felipe Fraga
Felipe Fraga is Chief Business Officer and Head of Institutional Relations at EstrelaBet, a specialist in Public Law and the Gaming and Betting market.
Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com