In yet another important chapter for Brazil, the national government expanded its range of games, including new modalities and making the betting market broader in the country.
The Ministry of Sports Ordinance includes games such as Counter Strike, Valorant and Fortnite in online betting, options that are not considered “virtual sports” by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but which have a tradition in the world of eSports.
With this situation, sportsbooks with bonuses gain space in eSports, as they can offer new modalities to bettors. Play responsibly.
The Ministry of Sports has changed the law on fixed-odds betting, including the aforementioned sports among the options eligible for betting. Previously, only eSports recognized by the IOC were taken into account, which prevented the inclusion of shooting games.
Fortnite even participated in the 2023 Olympic Esports Week, but with adaptations, becoming a sports shooting game, and not in its traditional format.
Current situation of betting in Brazil
After a few years with fixed-odds betting allowed online, but without regulation in Brazil, the national government finally created its own laws, in force since January 1, 2025.
This was a milestone for the country, since, before that, there was no collection of funds, which resulted in the loss of millions in fees and taxes. The Ministry of Treasury, through the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, began to authorize companies in 2024, granting operating licenses.
Each licensed sportsbook had to pay a R$30 million concession fee, receiving authorization to operate up to three online brands in the country, with an initial period of five years.
Only legalized websites can operate in Brazil, following all the rules imposed, which results in greater security for gamblers. There is a Bill approved in the Chamber of Deputies to allow land-based casinos in the country, but a vote in the Senate is still required.
Esports Olympic Games approved by IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to innovate and approved the creation of the Esports Olympic Games. Initially, they will be held every two years, starting in 2027, since the 2025 edition was postponed.
IOC President Thomas Bach made a press release about the news:
“This is truly a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Esports Olympic Games, we are keeping pace with the digital revolution. The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged in this initiative. This is further proof of the attractiveness of the Olympic brand and the values it represents among young people,” said Bach.
However, the IOC emphasizes that the games will have to be aligned with Olympic values, being played in three categories: physical sports on a virtual platform, sports simulators and eSports games.
For this reason, shooting modalities, such as Counter Strike, Valorant and Fortnite, are out of the question at the moment, unless they undergo adaptations and fit into different styles, such as sports shooting.
