The Brazilian online gambling market is booming. Fueled by a mixture of economic potential, cultural enthusiasm and regulatory clarity, Brazil has established itself as a lucrative market for iGaming businesses.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors driving Brazil’s iGaming success. We’ll look at emerging tech trends, Brazilian gambling regulation, and how Intellias can help you capitalize on the opportunity.
What’s driving Brazil’s iGaming boom?
The Brazilian iGaming industry in numbers:
Online gambling in Brazil is thriving. In 2023, the country had an online gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $3.4 billion, making it the tenth-largest market in the world. By 2028, this figure is projected to reach north of $3.6 billion — almost half of South America’s total expected GGR of around $8 billion.
But why has Brazil emerged as an iGaming powerhouse and regional leader? Below, we’ll look at the key factors powering online gaming and betting in Brazil.
High-spending players
A major factor behind Brazil’s iGaming surge is its high-spending user base. Average revenue per user (ARPU) is forecasted to climb to more than $1,500 by 2028. For context, this is well above the regional average, highlighting the country’s lucrative player pool.
Currently, around 80% of GGR growth stems from increased average spending, with the remaining 20% tied to an increase in new players. This reflects Brazil’s ability to attract and retain players willing to invest heavily, making it a highly profitable market for operators.
A cultural love of sports
Brazil is well known for sporting success — and in particular its love of football (soccer). In recent years, this cultural passion has translated into the digital world. Currently, online sports betting in Brazil makes up 58% of GGR growth. By 2028, this is expected to rise to 71%, or roughly $1.7 billion.
Interestingly, 38% of Brazilians now see betting as a sport in its own right, with a staggering 12% relying on online gaming as their primary source of income. Naturally, football is the most popular sport in Brazilian iGaming, with 80% of players betting on it. More recently, mixed martial arts (MMA) has soared in popularity, providing another lucrative frontier for iGaming businesses.
Growing popularity of online casinos
The recent legalization of online casinos has unlocked massive potential in Brazil. In 2025, online casinos will account for 38% of GGR growth. This segment is projected to grow from a 2024 market volume of $1.11 billion to $1.61 billion by 2028. This is due in large part to clarity in Brazilian betting and online gambling regulation.
Demographics is another factor driving the popularity of Brazil’s gambling industry. Young adults in particular are highly active in online casinos, making up 53% of demand, with 6% betting more than R$1,000 (US $172) per month.
Sports betting companies have set their sights on the pitch, building stronger connections with their audiences. Betano is the main sponsor of the Brazilian Football League (Brasileirão). The majority of Brazil’s major football clubs — including Corinthians, Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras, and others — have teamed up with betting companies as sponsors. The strategy is clear: extend their market reach, raise brand awareness, and earn the loyalty of fans by aligning with the emotional bond supporters have with their teams.
Top 5 iGaming operators in Brazil by market share (2024):
Favorable regulation
Until recently, a lack of clarity in Brazilian gambling regulation held the industry back. This started to change in December 2023, when the country’s president signed a new bill that provided a clear framework for areas such as taxation.
In January 2025, Brazil moved to fully regulate the iGaming industry, including a new requirement for operators to pay a R$30 million (about $5.2 million) license fee. In the process, the Ministry of Finance blocked more than 1,800 unlicensed iGaming businesses, making compliance with regulations a focal point for operators.
With Brazilian betting and online gambling regulation given the green light, it’s now much easier for businesses to set up shop and build for the future.
Emerging tech trends
iGaming is an industry shaped by technology, with several game-changing innovations driving player engagement and operator profits. Below, we’ll look at the major iGaming technology trends that are shaping the industry in Brazil.
- Artificial intelligence. AI and generative AI are enabling operators to provide more engaging, realistic and personalized gaming experiences. Operators are now using AI to flag problematic gaming behavior, provide tailored communications and enhance compliance.
- Cybersecurity. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, iGaming operators are using AI-powered threat-detection systems that can analyze huge volumes of data in real time, transforming potential vulnerabilities into robust defenses.
- Online payments. Payment technology is another area ripe for disruption, with demand soaring for fast, secure and seamless transactions. At the same time, innovations such as biometrics are helping improve transaction security.
- 5G networks. The rollout of 5G networks is enabling faster speeds, lower latency and increased bandwidth. In cities such as Rio de Janeiro, gamers can now enjoy smoother, more responsive online multiplayer experiences. 5G networks are also paving the way for immersive cloud gaming, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
- Cryptocurrencies. Current regulations in Brazil outlaw crypto betting, with iGaming operators required to accept payments only through Pix, the official payment system of the Brazilian Central Bank. But with crypto adoption soaring in Brazil, experts believe it’s a matter of time until the regulation of gambling in Brazil is updated to include cryptocurrency payments and rewards.
Intellias — your trusted partner for iGaming solutions
It’s clear that the Brazilian market for iGaming is going from strength to strength. But how can you best take advantage of the opportunity? This is where Intellias can help.
Whether you’re an existing operator with a Brazilian gambling license or looking to expand into the region, we offer a broad range of technology services to take your iGaming business to the next level. We can help you:
- Modernize and future-proof your iGaming platforms and tech architecture
- Improve player experience with micro-front-ends and personalization
- Build and launch innovative iGaming software and services faster
- Integrate new services and brands into existing platforms with minimal disruption
- Leverage AI and GenAI to create highly personalized gaming experiences
- Ensure regulatory compliance and robust security across your iGaming services
- Build secure payments into your iGaming and casino platforms
With a delivery center in LATAM, Intellias has a strong and active presence in the region where IT services are booming. By working with us, technology companies gain a foothold in Latin America, with access to the nearby Brazilian iGaming market and the advantages of the follow-the-sun model. We also provide cost-effective nearshoring opportunities for businesses in North America.
With deep industry expertise, we help both B2B vendors and B2C operators create innovative iGaming products and services that drive success. Here are just a few examples of our work:
- Developing a next-generation sports betting platform for a B2B iGaming vendor
- Modernizing a payment system for an international iGaming operator
- Digital transformation of a global iGaming platform
So, whether you’re looking to build new iGaming products, modernize existing systems or expand your service offering, Intellias can help you achieve your goals.
