Brazil sets responsible gambling as 2025–26 priority
Brazil’s gambling landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) announces its regulatory roadmap for 2025–26, with an unwavering commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.
The Launch of Brazil’s Regulated Online Gambling Market
The official commencement of Brazil’s regulated online gambling industry kicked off on January 1, marking a pivotal moment for the sector. In pursuit of refining its regulatory framework, the SPA initiated a public consultation process that closed on March 27, receiving approximately 200 submissions from stakeholders across the industry. This feedback has been instrumental in shaping the SPA’s updated agenda, encapsulated in Normative Ordinance No. 817.
Key Priorities Outlined in the ordinance
The ordinance delineates several critical priorities (Article 2), with a firm focus on:
- Promoting Responsible Gambling: Ensuring that gamblers engage in betting activities responsibly.
- Preventing Addiction: Implementing measures to guard against gambling-related harm.
- Fostering a Transparent Regulatory Environment: Upholding integrity and fairness across all operations.
Draft Regulations and Inclusive Industry Input
Beginning June 30, the SPA will issue draft regulations at the close of each quarter, inviting insights and suggestions from industry stakeholders. A central focus for the coming biennium is the establishment of a national self-exclusion platform—a vital initiative aimed at bolstering responsible gambling measures and curbing addiction. The SPA has identified this development as the foremost priority in its agenda.
Enhancements to Sponsorship and Advertising
In the second quarter of 2025, the SPA will introduce documentation related to the self-exclusion platform, alongside proposals that refine how betting companies allocate their sponsorship and advertising expenditures. An additional objective is to implement clear criteria for a certification seal, enabling consumers to easily identify licensed operators and fostering trust within the market.
Strengthening Support for Vulnerable Gamblers
To better support at-risk gamblers, the SPA is poised to enhance its support guidelines, targeting a reduction in the negative social repercussions associated with gambling. In the third quarter of 2025, the agency plans to revise advertising regulations, responding to growing demands for stricter controls amid ongoing scrutiny in the Senate.
Comprehensive Review and Regulation of Financial Interactions
Other agenda items include revisiting the Exclusive Instant Lottery regulations and enhancing the oversight of financial interactions between operators and providers. This initiative is crucial in the efforts to combat illegal betting and foster a cohesive betting ecosystem.
National Betting System and Regulatory Harmonization
By the fourth quarter of 2025, the SPA aims to unveil a national betting system that will synchronize state-level laws with federal regulations. Preliminary discussions have already commenced with state lawmakers via the Ministry of Finance to promote regulatory consistency.
Future Monitoring and Licensing Enhancements
Looking ahead to 2026, the SPA plans to bolster its monitoring procedures, ensuring that licensed operators are effectively supervised. Recognizing challenges encountered during the initial licensing phase—specifically, delays due to a limited number of approved certification bodies—the SPA is set to revise its authorization protocols based on insights gained.
In the second quarter of 2026, a comprehensive reevaluation of the certification process for both operators and suppliers will take place to address past challenges. By the fourth quarter of 2026, the agency will reassess penalties imposed on fixed-odds betting operators that breach regulatory standards.
Addressing Non-Compliance Among Operators
Recently, the SPA took decisive action by suspending four operators for failing to provide necessary documentation. While Pixbet has successfully rectified its issues and obtained full licensing, the remaining three operators continue to face suspension pending their certification resolution.
In conclusion, the SPA’s strategic focus on responsible gambling, regulatory transparency, and industry collaboration marks a significant step towards establishing a robust and sustainable online gambling framework in Brazil. As the market evolves, adherence to these principles will be vital for fostering an environment that prioritizes player protection and integrity within the industry.
