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).

What Types of Gambling Activities Require Authorisation?

Brazil requires operators providing online sports betting and casino services to obtain a license. This federal authorisation regime applies to fixed-odds betting, which covers sports betting and online games such as slots, crash games, and others. Lotteries are regulated under separate legal frameworks.

An entity obtains a Brazil online gambling license from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance to offer gambling services within the country.

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.

What Requirements Must Operators Meet Before Applying?

To apply for a gambling license, an entity is expected to:

• be established in Brazil;
• have a minimum 20% Brazilian equity participation;
• pay a fee equal to BRL 30 million, which is roughly USD 6 million;
• prove experience in gaming or betting;
• develop AML/CFT policies;
• use of ‘.bet.br’ domains;
• provide a suite of documents.

The SPA can require additional documents. Once approved, this non-negotiable and non-transferable license is granted for up to 3 brands (websites) and is to be renewed every five years. 

What Documents Are Needed for the License Application?

A document suite required to apply for a Brazil online gambling license includes:

• legal and corporate documentation;
• capital origin disclosure;
• declaration of good reputation;
• proof of a clear criminal record;
• tax compliance certificates;
• financial statements;
• technical certificates;
• system security protocols;
• AML/CFT policies, etc.

The SPA will evaluate a company’s legal qualification and financial and technical setup before making a decision on authorisation.

How Does the Application Process Work in Brazil?

A license application with supporting documents is submitted via the System for Management of Betting (SIGAP) portal to the SPA. After it is reviewed and if it is approved, a license is issued. The review can take up to 150 days to ensure that the information is complete and accurate. Complementary documents can be requested. Then, an additional 45 days are needed to approve the application. Finally, a licensed entity must pay the license fee.

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.