Legal experts predict that 2025 will be a crucial year of interpretation and integration for Brazil’s newly legalized online gambling market.
Udo Seckelmann, a gambling and crypto lawyer at Bichara e Motta Advogados, expects multiple regulatory updates as Brazil’s market adapts. He calls 2025 the “year of integration”, where the country will refine what is allowed and clarify SPA’s regulatory interpretations.
Balancing Growth and Public Perception
Although the market opened on January 1, 2025, with over 14 full licenses and 50 provisional ones, concerns persist. Global brands like Bet365 and Betsson have entered the market alongside local operators.
However, public opposition and a recent retail study linking gambling to lower spending on essentials have caused political backlash. Some lawmakers have even proposed a full ban.
The Need for Industry Transparency
Seckelmann emphasizes that operators must invest in public relations to reshape public perception. He warns that overregulation and high taxes could harm market stability, as seen in other countries.
“We’re not the bad guys,” he says. “But if taxes go up and restrictions tighten, players may shift to unregulated options.”
As Brazil moves forward, finding a balance between consumer protection and industry growth remains key to long-term success.
