Brazil’s gambling regulator says the country’s regulated betting market has made significant progress since reforms took effect. Now, authorities are shifting their attention toward combating illegal operators.
Speaking at the Future of Betting in Brazil conference, Carlos Renato Xavier, Deputy Secretary for Monitoring and Supervision at the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), said the first full year under the new regulatory framework has created a safer environment for consumers. Additionally, it has given regulators stronger oversight tools.
The regulated market officially launched following reforms introduced in 2024. Since then, the SPA has focused on issuing licenses, establishing technical standards, and developing the legal framework required to supervise licensed operators.
Learning From International Markets
Xavier said both regulators and operators faced a steep learning curve during the implementation process.
Authorities worked closely with betting operators, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders while refining regulations. Brazil also benefited from studying more established gambling markets. This allowed policymakers to adopt proven safeguards while avoiding regulatory mistakes seen elsewhere.
According to Xavier, this approach helped shape a framework designed to balance market growth with consumer protection.
Enforcement Becomes the Next Priority
Government oversight now extends beyond the SPA alone.
Xavier highlighted recent discussions in Brazil’s Congress involving the Ministry of Health, consumer protection authorities, advertising regulators, and other government agencies. This collaboration reflects a broader effort to oversee the betting industry across multiple areas of government.
Authorities are now placing greater emphasis on enforcement against unlicensed operators.
Last week, the government introduced two new regulations aimed at strengthening action against illegal betting businesses. The measures form part of a coordinated strategy involving the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Justice.
Protecting the Regulated Market
Brazilian authorities say stronger enforcement is essential to reducing consumer risks, protecting the country’s economy, and maintaining confidence in the regulated betting sector.
With the regulatory framework largely established, officials believe the next stage of market development will depend on ensuring licensed operators remain compliant. Moreover, it will depend on making it increasingly difficult for illegal operators to continue serving Brazilian consumers.
