As of January 2025, new rules require betting companies, the popular sports bets, to be based in Brazil to sponsor football teams and other sports in nationally publicized events.
This measure is part of a decree from the Ministry of Treasury, published on August 1, 2024, which aims to regulate the sports betting and online gaming market in the country.
This year, betting sites represent 68% of master sponsorships of the main clubs in the Brazilian Championship, including the three divisions of the tournament (A, B and C).
With the new requirement, only companies authorized by the Prizes and Betting Secretariat will be able to promote their brands through advertising or sponsorship at national events. To obtain this authorization, it is necessary to have a subsidiary in Brazil.
Betting operation
Currently, most betting platforms used by Brazilians operate from abroad. So far, six companies have requested authorization to operate in Brazil. The Federal Government’s response should be published by December. The list includes:
- Kaizen, owner of the Betano brand, sponsor of Atlético Mineiro.
- MMD Tecnologia, from Rei do Pitaco, sponsor of América do Rio Grande do Norte.
- SSPRBTBR, owner of Superbet, sponsor of São Paulo and Fluminense.
- Ventmear Brasil, operator of Sportingbet,
- NSX Group, which operates the Betnacional brand, sponsor of Série B of the Brasileirão
- Big Brasil Tecnologia, owner of the Ceasar Sportsbook brand.
In addition to the requirement for headquarters in Brazil, the ordinance establishes other rules:
- Prohibition of advertisements in which influencers promote betting as a means of social advancement,
- Mandatory suspension of bettors at risk of addiction,
- Blocking of irregular websites by internet providers after notification from the government,
- Fines ranging from R$50,000 to R$2 billion in case of irregularities.
Industry reaction
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) considers the requirement positive for the sector. “This is fundamental to the integrity of the online betting and gaming market,” stated the association.
Leonardo Baptista, CEO and co-founder of Pay4Fun, also highlighted the importance of regulation. According to him, “today, the market is not in Brazil. With the new legislation, we will be able to have serious companies regulated, and those that operate fraudulently will leave the market.”