Online sports betting: new rules and fines

With the growing interest in and expansion of online sports betting platforms, Brazil has implemented, as of January 1st, 2025A strict regulation that redefines the panorama of the sector.

Table of Contents

These changes are designed to regulate the operations of fixed-odds bettingThe new rules, known as "bets", introduce significant penalties to ensure compliance and consumer protection.

This article explores the latest regulatory updates and the impact of fines associated with the new rules, offering a comprehensive overview of the transformations that are shaping the future of online sports betting in the country.

Current legislation and regulations for online sports betting

The regulation of sports betting in Brazil is defined by two main laws: the Law No. 13.756/2018 and Law 14.790/2023. The first legalized fixed-odds betting and established the initial parameters of the regulatory framework. The second, sanctioned in 2023, detailed these parameters and added additional obligations.

As of January 1, 2025, only companies authorized by the Prize and Betting Office (SPA)The Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, which is linked to the Ministry of Finance, can operate legally in the country. Those that do not comply will be considered illegal and will have their activities closed down, as well as being banned from advertising and sponsorship.

Obligations and Taxation

In addition to the obligations that betting sites in Brazil must fulfill, there are important points that Brazilian players need to be aware of, especially in relation to taxation.

Betting winnings now are declared for income tax purposes and are subject to taxation when they exceed the exemption rate of R$ 2.2 thousand. Prizes in excess of this amount must be declared and are subject to a 15% IR rate.

Game restrictions

The new rules prohibit that people who have family members directly or indirectly involved in gambling place bets, as well as employees of Brazilian betting sites or platforms that favor the player. In addition, children under 18 are prohibited from participating.

Licensing

The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), linked to the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for overseeing and regulating the online betting scene in Brazil in accordance with the new laws.

So far, the secretariat has already issued the first ordinances and started distributing the licenses. Companies authorized to operate must only use domains with the extension ".bet.br".", as established by the Normative Instruction SPA/MF no. 11/2024. This measure makes it easier to identify legal sites and ensures a safer environment for punters.

Tax on online sports betting: new levy

The taxation of sports betting in Brazil will be established through a betting tax, which is scheduled to come into force to coincide with the full implementation of the new regulations in January 2025. This measure aims to ensure that operators make a proper contribution to the public coffers while operating legally in the country.

Read also: How to obtain authorization for fixed odds betting in Brazil

When does the betting tax come into force?

The Betting Tax began to be applied along with new rules from the Ministry of Finance from January 2025. This tax is part of the government's measures to control and regulate online betting in Brazil.

Consumer Protection Measures

The rules for operating betting sites include a monitoring system to identify players who may be developing addictions or compulsive behaviors. If harmful behavior is detected, platforms will be obliged to block users' accounts.

In addition, measures have been planned that include the control of financial flows; a ban on credit for bets; the elimination of entry bonuses; and the requirement to identify bettors by means of CPF and facial recognition. These actions provide greater security and reinforce compliance with the ban on the participation of children and adolescents, in order to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment.

Is betting allowed in Brazil?

Yes, with the updated regulations, fixed-odds sports betting is allowed in Brazil, as long as companies operate in accordance with the rules established by the Ministry of Finance's Secretariat of Prizes and Betting and comply with all legal requirements.

Conclusion

With these measures, the government seeks not only to regulate the sector, but also to create a safer and more reliable environment for bettors and investors in the Brazilian online betting market.

The future of online gaming companies now depends on their ability to adapt to the new rules and effectively implement the required prevention systems.

A CLM Controller accounting is a company with 40 years of experience, specialized in serving online sports betting companies. we offer tax advice and accounting personalized, helping to ensure compliance with current regulations and guaranteeing financial transparency.