Gambling license in Brazil

With the introduction of new laws in 2023, Brazil has officially opened its gambling market, which is set to be fully operational by January 1, 2025. This marks the end of the ban imposed in 1946 and creates significant opportunities for operators looking to enter the largest market in Latin America.

Under the new legal framework, Brazil offers licensing for operators providing online sports betting and casino services. This ensures a transparent market where participants operate legally and in a structured environment.

Responsibility for overseeing and developing the gambling industry has been assigned to Brazil’s Ministry of Finance (Ministério da Fazenda). The ministry is tasked with drafting regulations, managing the licensing process, and ensuring compliance by all market participants.

Transition Period:

• As of October 1, 2024, preparations for the market launch have begun.
• During this period, 96 operators have been granted the right to operate legally.
• Illegal websites: Starting October 11, 2024, websites failing to meet regulatory requirements will be blocked by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel).

Advantages of Obtaining Brazil gambling license

• Access to the largest market in Latin America: With a population of over 200 million people, 67% of whom are active internet users, the market offers a vast base of potential customers.
• High profitability: Brazil’s gambling market is projected to become one of the most lucrative globally, thanks to high user engagement and growing interest in the industry.
• Market growth potential: The launch of a regulated gambling market is expected to give a significant boost to Brazil’s economy, providing operators with the opportunity to capitalize on increasing interest from the population.

Key Licensing  Features:

• Mandatory local presence: Companies must be registered in Brazil. Foreign operators are required to establish a subsidiary where 20% of the shares are owned by a Brazilian citizen.
• Financial guarantees: A minimum financial reserve of 5 million BRL (≈€823,770) is required, along with a two-year financial forecast.
• Social responsibility: Operators must implement strict measures for anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), ensure client data protection (KYC), and provide 24/7 customer support in Portuguese.
• Technical certification: Platforms must be certified by independent laboratories to ensure security and reliability.

Required Documents for a Brazil Gaming License

1. Corporate registration: Articles of incorporation and proof that 20% of the shares are owned by a Brazilian partner.
2. Financial documentation: Evidence of the 5 million BRL financial reserve, a financial discipline certificate from the Central Bank, and tax documents issued by the Special Secretariat of Federal Revenue.
3. Employee qualifications: Appointment of a financial director and a customer support manager, along with certificates of no criminal record or legal violations.
4. Technical certificates: Documents confirming that the platform meets safety and compliance requirements.

Timeframe for Obtaining Brazil Igaming License:
The licensing process takes 8 to 12 months, including document review, compliance verification, and platform certification.

Conclusion:
Obtaining a brazil online gambling license offers significant opportunities for operators, granting access to one of the world’s most promising markets. Despite strict requirements and high costs, the benefits—including customer trust, high profitability, and legal access to the region’s largest economy—make the process worthwhile for companies aiming for long-term success.

If you are interested in acquiring a gambling license, it’s advisable to entrust this crucial process to professionals. SBSB experts have been providing comprehensive legal support for fintech and gambling projects since 2013. Our lawyers will help you choose the optimal type of license tailored to your company’s business model and guide you through all licensing stages in compliance with the jurisdiction’s requirements, taking care of all legal matters.