Exclusive: lawyer and specialist Bruna Verdi analyses the betting market in Brazil
The online betting market in Brazil has been expanding for some time. To better understand this scenario, we spoke with Bruna Verdi, a lawyer specialising in the sector, who shared her professional journey and her views on the opportunities and challenges that come with betting regulation in the country.
The transition to the online betting market
Bruna Verdi began her career in the renewable energy sector, where she worked for ten years on multinational projects. Her entry into the world of online betting came when she received an invitation from a law firm to work in the area, and from that experience, Bruna delved even deeper into the sector and now cannot see herself working in any industry other than gaming. Bruna Verdi worked for one of the leading international operators in the online betting sector, which played a crucial role in obtaining one of the first licences to operate in Brazil, deepening her knowledge of the regulatory and operational complexities of the Brazilian betting market.
Bruna also has connections with the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance. Last year, she participated in discussions that were part of structuring the betting market in Brazil, contributing insights based on international experiences. Her work helped shape the current gaming and betting legislation, which came into effect on 1 January 2025.
The challenges of the new regulation
The new regulation has brought several challenges for companies in the sector, which had to adapt immediately to the new requirements. Among the key points of attention are:
- Technical requirements for games: Platforms must ensure that their systems meet (strict) security and integrity standards.
- Responsible gaming: Operators must adopt measures to prevent addiction and offer tools for players to control their spending.
- Taxation: The new legislation establishes guidelines for the collection of taxes on betting, and it is not cheap.
- Advertising: Companies must follow specific rules for promoting their platforms, avoiding abusive or misleading practices.
Market growth and Its impacts
Data from the Central Bank indicates that in the first eight months of 2024, Brazilians spent around R$20 billion per month on online betting. Approximately 24 million individuals participated in gambling and online betting, making at least one transfer via Pix during the analysed period.
This growth, however, raises concerns. A study by the National Confederation of Commerce (CNC) revealed that between June 2023 and June 2024, Brazilians spent R$68 billion on online betting, representing 0.62% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 0.95% of total consumption in the period. The impact of this phenomenon on consumption and the economy as a whole has been a subject of debate.
Future prospects for the sector
Bruna Verdi believes that the iGaming market in Brazil will continue its expansion trajectory in the coming years. She commented on the possibility of legalising land-based casinos, creating the opportunity to open new business fronts and further boosting tourism and the local economy.
“We are at a crucial moment for the betting market in Brazil. Proper regulation and the fight against illegal operators are essential to consolidate the sector and ensure benefits for all involved.”
State regulation and national operation of betting houses
During the interview, Bruna Verdi highlighted a phenomenon that has sparked discussions in the sector: the existence of betting houses licensed in certain states but operating on a national level. With the absence of effective federal regulation until recently, some Brazilian states created their own regulations for the sector, issuing local licences to operators.
However, these betting houses, despite being regulated by a state jurisdiction, end up accepting players from all over the country. This model raises questions about the legality of operating outside the state where the licence was granted and how the new federal regulation will address these companies.
Bruna commented that this scenario is problematic for both regulators and the operators who have paid the required fees and adapted to the necessary regulations to be compliant with gaming and betting laws.
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