The digital entertainment landscape in Brazil underwent a major transformation in the first half of 2025. According to an exclusive survey by Pagsmile, the sports betting sector surpassed online casinos for the first time.
This segment accounted for 59.5% of the total turnover, reaching R$434.7 million in just three months. In contrast, online casinos accounted for R$295.8 million, accounting for 40.5% and reversing their dominance until 2024.
The study indicates that industry regulation has driven the growth of sports betting. Furthermore, the appeal of events such as the Copa América and the Olympics has contributed to this expansion.
The widespread use of mobile phones as the primary betting platform was also a determining factor. Additionally, marketing campaigns and the work of digital influencers attracted new user profiles to this market.
Changes in payment methods
The report also reveals a significant shift in digital consumers’ payment habits. PIX, which represented 98% of revenue in 2023, saw its share drop to 63.29% in 2025. On the other hand, bank transfers via Open Finance grew, reaching a 26.28% share.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s SPEI (Interbank Electronic Payment System) method accounted for 8.61% of the total, signaling Pagsmile’s expansion in Latin America. Digital wallets and Colombia’s PSE (Secure Online Payments) are also beginning to gain traction, reinforcing the diversification trend.
Marlon Tseng , CEO of Pagsmile, highlights: “The Latin American digital consumer is more demanding and connected. They seek local, reliable payment methods that are integrated into their daily financial lives. This redefines entry strategies and the competitiveness of international platforms.”
The report also notes that the expansion of bank transfers may be related to PIX’s operational limits. In fact, new compliance rules imposed by betting market regulators are influencing this trend. This change highlights a preference for methods that offer greater traceability and control.
At the same time, other sectors such as e-commerce, streaming, and gaming are beginning to feel the effects of this diversification. In e-commerce, for example, integration with Open Finance and digital wallets should strengthen international purchases.
Likewise, the streaming industry benefits from instant payments and new subscription models..
