Licensed online betting operators in Brazil paid R$8.7 billion (£1.2 billion) in taxes during the first seven months of 2026, according to the country's Federal Revenue Service. The figure marks a 76.86% increase on the same period in 2025.
January to July 2025, the first seven months of the regulated market, brought in R$4.9 billion. The full year delivered R$9.95 billion at a 12% tax rate on GGR. Brazil's regulated market launched on 1 January 2025 after President Lula da Silva signed off in late 2024, with 63 licensed operators at the start.
According to Blask, Brazil is now the fourth-largest betting market globally by online traffic. International operators lead: Betano (Kaizen Gaming), bet365, Superbet and Sportingbet (Entain).
Rapid growth has drawn political fire. Lula is considering a ban on online casino and tighter advertising rules. Flavio Bolsonaro, leader of the right-wing Liberal Party and son of the former president, is discussing either a ban or strict restrictions as part of his platform ahead of October elections. This week a deputy from his party introduced a bill to shut down online betting, though passage looks unlikely.
The government has already accelerated its tax increase schedule: to 15% next year and 18% by 2028. The reason is expensive projects including a multi-billion-real housing reform. Whoever wins in October, the budget will feel the loss if the industry goes.
