Brazil’s gambling market has experienced exponential growth, especially in the online domain.
Data from 2016–2017 revealed that Brazil’s spending on foreign online casinos and bookmakers was an astounding BRL 2 billion, potentially escalating to BRL 10 billion.
A significant portion of this capital goes untaxed, leading to an estimated loss of BRL 3 billion in potential social contributions and taxes.
Such figures, while excluding state lotteries and informal betting mediums, paint a clear picture of the thriving nature of the Brazilian iGaming market.
That said, it needs to be a regulated market and the quicker that happens, the better for all involved.
The need for transparency and regulation
While the digital gambling industry in Brazil continues to grow, the underground or “clandestine” gambling industry still reigns supreme.
Shockingly, for every three gamblers in the country, two engage in illegal channels, amounting to a jaw-dropping RBL 20 billion annually.
This figure greatly surpasses the official market’s RBL 14 billion. Furthermore, the Brazilian Legal Gaming Institute (IJL) suggests that these numbers might be even higher.
The discrepancy in figures underscores a pressing need for robust regulations to ensure transparency and safety in the market.
The future is bright for gambling in Brazil
The future of Brazil’s iGaming industry looks promising.
Given the rapid digitization and changing consumption patterns, it’s evident that the realm of virtual and mobile services will dominate the sector.
Brazil, with its massive economy, is poised for further growth in employment, translating into increased disposable income and, by extension, a spike in demand for online entertainment.
This is further underscored by Brazil’s significant mobile connections, reflecting the nation’s readiness for a digitally-forward gambling market.
With the booming online entertainment industry in Brazil, the iGaming sector stands to gain immensely. Analysis by research giant Statista suggests that though it’s still slightly currently trailing Mexico in 2023 for online gross gaming revenue, by 2024 it will be the leading online gambling market in Latin America.
Source: Statista.
Brazil’s young, tech-savvy population is an asset to the digital world. The country boasts an 81% internet penetration rate, and cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro already enjoy 5G connectivity.
Reports indicate a significant chunk of the Brazilian populace engages in online gaming activities. In such a digital landscape, native and original content will be pivotal for the gaming industry.
Imminent challenges lie ahead though…
Online casinos in Brazil face a two-fold challenge: an ever-increasing popularity juxtaposed against a robust presence of informal gambling. According to surveys carried out by KTO, a roulette site based in Brazil, interest in online casinos, including live table games, slots and video poker, is catching up with state lotteries.
Yet, a similar number of Brazilians indulge in unregulated gambling. This “low channelization” is an alarming indicator of an industry that has yet to mature and thus demands the attention of both authorities and industry experts.
To sum it up, the real-money gaming landscape in Brazil is thriving, backed by a young, digitally connected demographic.
The surge in the iGaming market post the legalization of sports betting, combined with the popularity of mobile platforms, paints an optimistic picture.
However, the industry now awaits a comprehensive regulatory framework to safeguard consumers, minimize revenue leakage, and advocate for responsible gambling practices.