The regulation of online betting in Brazil brings a new dynamic to a sector that has been on the rise in the country for at least five years. From now on, bettors and platforms will need to adapt to the changes, which come into force from January 2025.
Through the Betting Management System (SIGAP), the Ministry of Finance provides names on the list of all online casinos that have already requested regulation and are willing to promote changes in this market. However, the challenges are not only for platforms and operators, but also for those who already have accounts opened with betting houses as such.
In this article, we bring some points that deserve attention to observe how the regulation of online betting houses should bring impactful changes and what are the shortcuts so that players can adapt to this new reality. Check it out and get ready for the latest news!
The new rules with betting in Brazil
With the sanction of Laws 14,790/2023 and 13,756/2018, the online betting market in Brazil gains a new perspective for players and platforms from January 2025, when betting regulation comes into effect under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Treasury.
Understand more about the following procedures:
What is the regulatory process like in Brazil?
Companies interested in regulating in Brazil need to register their requests in the Betting Management System (SIGAP). By the end of September, 162 requests from 158 companies were formalized on the Ministry of Finance’s official website.
After submission, companies await the analysis of their requests, which can take months, depending on the complexity of the documentation and compliance with the requirements established by the Ministry.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Treasury announced that it plans to complete the analysis of requests received by December, allowing only duly authorized sites to continue their operations from January 2025.
Main regulatory changes
There are several changes, and one of the main points is tax taxation. From now on, both operators and players will have to collect taxes on activities above a certain ceiling, which completely changes the financial dynamics of the sector.
According to the Minister of Treasury, Fernando Haddad, all resources raised from the online bets market will be allocated to areas that are fundamental to the Brazilian population, such as health, education and public safety.
To carry out the taxation required in the national market, companies operating in Brazil will need to be duly registered with the Ministry of Finance, through the Betting Management System (SIGAP).
This system will allow rigorous monitoring and inspection of betting activities, ensuring that operators follow all standards established by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA).
Betting advertising is a warning point for the Government
Another important point are the rules on marketing and advertising. There is growing concern from the government and parliamentarians about limiting the exposure of online betting to vulnerable groups, such as Bolsa Família beneficiaries.
Recent research into problems with gaming addiction indicates alarming data that, for the Federal Government, must be treated with caution and, for this reason, advertisements must undergo further changes.
As you can see, the online betting platform that wants to continue in Brazil will need to follow new rules, and one thing is certain: the dynamics of the game will be much safer for those willing to have a fun betting experience.
How do the changes affect player dynamics?
The new regulations in the online sports betting sector in Brazil will bring changes to the experience of bettors. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the news and create new game dynamics to improve the experience.
- Taxes: with the new law, bettors’ winnings will be taxed, requiring more rigorous financial planning. It is important that players inform themselves about the applicable rates and deductions to avoid surprises. The Prizes and Betting Secretariat highlights that the platforms will be responsible for withholding the tax, simplifying the process for the player, who will see the amount already deducted. All amounts and rules will be updated in the official ordinance.
- Offers: promotions and bonuses, often used as attractions, will also be affected. Regulation may impose stricter limits on offers, which means that bettors must be aware of changes to the terms and conditions of these promotions. Additionally, it is possible that certain practices, such as deposit bonuses, will be revised to adapt to the newly imposed guidelines. The main purpose is to promote responsible gambling and avoid impulsive behaviors, which may involve big promises of winnings.
- Payments: transparency in the payments process is also highlighted with the new regulations. Platforms will need to guarantee greater security in transactions and follow anti-money laundering regulations, offering bettors a more reliable and secure experience with transfers via Pix, for example. After all, this is a payment method approved by BACEN.
There are other points that will undergo changes with the new regulations and, for this reason, it is essential that players carefully read the information available on the Ministry of Finance’s Prize and Betting Secretariat website.
What happened to the sites that didn’t request regulation?
As of October 2024, online betting houses that did not request authorization to operate in Brazil will have their activities suspended. In partnership with Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency), the Ministry of Finance began to remove unauthorized websites and applications from the air.
In addition to the suspension of activities, the Ministry of Finance established a period of 10 days for bettors who have a balance on irregular websites to request a refund of their amounts and, thus, be able to close their accounts.
The future of online betting in Brazil
The regulation of online betting has arrived, and Brazil is positioned to become one of the most promising markets in the world in the sector. From 2025 onwards, the changes are expected to promote healthy growth and a new scenario for bettors.
The expectation is that the regulation will lead to an increase in the number of duly authorized platforms, providing greater confidence both for those who play and for platforms operating in the local market.
Faced with solid competition in the market, the tendency is to see an investment in innovation to win over players. In the long term, this market dispute tends to favor those who are always looking for better conditions to play.
Furthermore, operators must adapt their promotions and bonuses to the new scenario, with fairer conditions, which will now be closely supervised by the competent authorities. This transparency should also benefit users.
Another highlight is the growing awareness campaigns about the importance of responsible betting. As the market becomes more mature, initiatives will emerge aimed at educating bettors about the risks associated with gaming, promoting safe and better-structured practices.
With stricter control of operations across all sectors, regulation must provide a safer and more reliable environment. Now, it is up to the Ministry of Treasury to supervise the platforms and ensure that they operate in a fair and transparent manner in Brazil.
Tips for adapting to the new rules
To continue betting safely, it is essential to understand these new guidelines and adjust your strategies accordingly. Below, we have put together some tips to help you quickly adapt to the new online betting environment in Brazil:
- Learn how taxation works: understand how taxes will affect your earnings and prepare yourself financially. Keep track of the rates and deductions that can be made to avoid unpleasant surprises during the experience.
- Read the offer conditions: with regulations impacting bonuses, be aware of changes to terms and conditions. Always read the updated rules for promotions and offers so you don’t miss opportunities or advantages.
- Choose regulated platforms: make sure you only bet on bookmakers that are licensed and regulated in Brazil. This not only guarantees greater security, but also avoids possible future problems if the platform does not comply with legal requirements.
- Create a new betting plan: with changes to bonuses and the taxation of winnings, adjust your betting strategy to maintain financial control and minimize the impacts of the new rules on your weekly or monthly balance.
- Pay attention to payment details: check that the platforms you use follow the new guidelines, offering adequate protection for each payment or withdrawal made within your gaming account.
Conclusion
The time has come for experienced and beginner bettors to adapt to the new rules of the online betting market in Brazil. From January 2025, the need to understand taxation, new marketing rules and the choice of licensed platforms will be key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
While the market is already preparing for this transition, it is essential that bettors stay informed and adapt to the changes that will be necessary, taking advantage of the new opportunities that arise with regulation.
