Is Online Gambling Legal in Brazil? 2026 Guide
Law 14,790/2023: The Foundation
Brazil's current system starts with two laws. Law 13,756/2018 first made fixed-odds betting legal in principle, but set no operating rules. Law 14,790, signed on 30 December 2023, built the full framework: who can get a license, what taxes apply, how players must be verified, and how advertising works.
The Ministry of Finance then issued a series of ordinances through 2024 covering payments, technical security, responsible gambling, and advertising. 2024 was the preparation year. The regulated market opened on 1 January 2025.
The SPA and Licensing
The SPA (Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas) sits inside the Ministry of Finance and is the federal authority that authorizes and supervises fixed-odds betting and online gaming. It was created in January 2024.
- License fee: R$30 million for a license covering up to three brands.
- Tax on operators: 12% on gross gaming revenue.
- Domain rule: only sites on .bet.br domains are authorized to operate in Brazil.
- Scale: the SPA publishes the current list of authorized operators on the Ministry of Finance website - check it directly, because authorizations change and any count goes stale fast.
What Changed for Players in 2025
- KYC is strict. Registration requires your CPF (tax ID) and facial recognition. Operators must also screen for politically exposed persons and classify players by risk profile.
- Payments are restricted. Deposits and withdrawals on licensed sites can only go through PIX, TED, debit cards, prepaid cards, or bank transfers at Central Bank-authorized institutions. Credit cards, boleto (payment slips), cash, cheques, and crypto are banned. See our payment methods guide.
- Bonuses are restricted. The law forbids operators from granting bonuses or advantages as an inducement to bet. Welcome bonuses cannot be used as a marketing tool. Read our bonuses guide for what this means in practice.
- Payouts are fast by law. Licensed operators must pay prizes within 120 minutes of the event ending.
Taxes on Winnings
Players owe 15% income tax (IRPF) on net winnings from fixed-odds betting, calculated annually, with an exemption threshold tied to the first income-tax bracket. Congress restored the annual exemption after a presidential veto, and the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) issued a normative instruction with details, including the ComprovaBet statement operators must provide. In May 2026 a bill was introduced to remove the player tax entirely - it has not passed. We are not tax advisors: if you win significant amounts, speak to a Brazilian tax professional. Do not rely on a casino affiliate site for tax advice.
Offshore Sites and Enforcement
The SPA considers sites without a Brazilian authorization illegal. Since October 2024 it has worked with the telecom regulator Anatel to block thousands of unlicensed domains. Banks and payment providers face pressure to block transfers to illegal operators. Playing on an unlicensed site means no Brazilian regulator to complain to if something goes wrong.
A Possible Casino Ban Is Under Discussion
In late September 2026 the Lula government discussed a provisional measure that would ban online casino and slot-style games, possibly while keeping sports betting. A narrower and a broader version were on the table, and no decision had been announced as of September 2026. A provisional measure takes effect on publication but lapses unless Congress approves it within 120 days. This is the most important development to watch in Brazilian gambling regulation right now.
What This Means for You as a Player
- Play on .bet.br sites. Check the SPA's authorized list in SIGAP before depositing. See our safety checklist.
- Expect facial recognition. It is a legal requirement, not the operator being difficult.
- Use PIX. It is the standard payment method; credit cards and crypto will not work on licensed sites.
- Do not expect bonuses. Licensed operators cannot offer them as sign-up inducements.
- You must be 18 or older.
Related Brazil Guides
FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Brazil in 2026?
Yes. Since 1 January 2025 Brazil has a regulated market under Law 14,790/2023. Operators need a license from the SPA (Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas) at the Ministry of Finance, and licensed sites use .bet.br domains.
What is the SPA?
The SPA (Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas) is the federal body inside the Ministry of Finance that licenses and supervises fixed-odds betting and online gaming in Brazil. It was created in January 2024.
How do I know a betting site is licensed in Brazil?
Licensed sites use a .bet.br domain. You can also check the SPA's official authorized-operators list in the SIGAP system. Our safety checklist walks through the verification step by step.
Is it true the government wants to ban online casinos?
In September 2026 the government discussed a provisional measure targeting online casino and slot-style games, with sports betting possibly kept. As of September 2026 no measure has been published and nothing is decided. This page will be updated if the rules change.
Can I still play on offshore .com casinos?
Offshore sites without a Brazilian license are considered illegal by the SPA, and authorities have ordered thousands of unlicensed sites blocked since late 2024. Players on unlicensed sites get no Brazilian consumer protection.