SPA Declares First Year Of Betting Regulation In Brazil Successful

Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) believes the country’s regulated betting market has delivered better outcomes than the years without formal oversight.

Speaking during the “Future of Betting in Brazil” panel, SPA Deputy Secretary for Betting Monitoring and Supervision Carlos Renato Xavier reviewed the first full year of regulation as a positive step for the sector.

“Regulating the betting sector in Brazil is already proving to be a successful solution when compared to the long period without rules,” the undersecretary said.

“The existence of a regulated environment, characterised by ongoing state involvement and the SPA’s focus on consumer protection regulations, the preservation of the public interest and the industry’s health, reduces conflicts and prevents problems from escalating due to a lack of oversight.”

Xavier added that since regulation began in 2024, the SPA has focused on licensing operators while creating rules for the developing market.

International Lessons Helped Shape Brazil’s Regulatory Framework

According to Xavier, building the new framework required significant effort but also allowed Brazil to study other jurisdictions before implementing its own model.

He explained that the SPA spent the past year improving its technical expertise through regular engagement with operators, suppliers and other industry participants.

“It was a period of intense learning, including for our team, which sought technical improvement and knowledge through dialogue with operators, providers and other market stakeholders,” he stated.

The regulator also examined international best practices to help create a balanced and more sustainable betting environment in Brazil.

Government Agencies Strengthen Regulation Through Joint Action

Xavier highlighted growing cooperation between public institutions as another important feature of Brazil’s regulatory approach.

“We participated in a congressional debate attended by various government bodies and institutions, including representatives from the ministry of health, Conar and the consumer defence secretariat,” he explained. 

“The meeting was more than just a debate; it was a forum where the government and society presented their views on the market and associated issues, making it clear that monitoring is not limited to the SPA.

“There is coordinated and vigilant action by various agencies. This reinforces the need for close monitoring to ensure a healthy, enduring and fraud-free market.”

Illegal Betting Remains The Government’s Primary Enforcement Priority

Xavier identified illegal gambling as the biggest challenge facing Brazil’s regulated betting sector.

“Last week, two robust regulations aimed at combatting illegality were published,” he said.

“Furthermore, we have observed a significant shift in institutional discourse, with alignment among the presidency, the ministry of finance, and the ministry of justice to focus efforts in the right direction. This is not a step backward in the regulatory process; rather, it is an intensification of the fight against illegal operators who act outside the rules and increase risks to consumers, the economy and the sector’s integrity.”

According to Xavier, strong oversight and cooperation between government agencies will be key to building a responsible and transparent betting market in Brazil.