Brazil identifies responsible gambling as primary concern for 2025-26 period.
Let's Talk About Brazil's Gambling Regulation Agenda for 2025-2026
In the bustling world of Brazilian online gambling, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) is shaking things up. Fresh off the launch of the regulated online gambling market on New Year's Day, the SPA has unveiled its regulatory agenda for the 2025-2026 biennium, focusing on responsible gambling initiatives.
After fielding approximately 200 submissions during a public consultation, the SPA has let loose its updated regulatory agenda through Normative Ordinance No. 817.
The heart of the matter can be found in Article 2 of the ordinance, emphasizing four key priorities: promoting responsible gambling, preventing addiction, fostering transparency, and fostering a fair, accessible environment for all.
Later this year, beginning June 30, the SPA plans to release draft regulations at the end of each quarter, urging the entire industry to chime in. The absolute priority for the next two years is the creation and implementation of a national self-exclusion platform. The SPA labels this initiative as critical, aiming to promote responsible gambling and curb addiction.
With Q2 on the horizon, the SPA will release documentation about the aforementioned platform, along with proposed changes to how betting companies distribute sponsorship and advertising dollars to athletes and sports clubs. Additionally, the regulator aims to establish clear criteria for a certification seal to help consumers identify licensed operators.
Vulnerable gamblers are top of mind for the SPA as well. Plans are underway to strengthen support guidelines, with the ultimate goal of reducing the negative social impact of gambling. In Q3 2025, the SPA will also tighten its grip on gambling advertisements, buckling under pressure from critics who argue for stricter advertisement restrictions.
Other agenda items include a review of the Exclusive Instant Lottery rules, further regulation of financial interactions between operators and providers, efforts to combat the black market, and the harmonization of state-level laws with federal guidelines.
Come Q4 2025, the SPA will launch a national betting system, aligning state-level laws with federal guidelines. Preparations are already underway, with the SPA engaging with state lawmakers at the Ministry of Finance to encourage regulatory harmonization.
As 2026 approaches, the SPA intends to beef up its monitoring efforts to ensure licensed operators are held accountable for their actions. Challenges in the initial licensing process, such as lengthy certification timelines, have led the SPA to reevaluate its authorization process for future iterations.
In the first half of 2026, the SPA will revisit its certification process for both operators and suppliers to address previous setbacks. By the end of 2026, the SPA will also revise its penalties for operators in breach of regulatory standards.
Recently, the SPA handed out suspensions to four operators for failing to submit necessary paperwork. Pixbet has since resolved its issues and earned its full license. The remaining three operators continue to languish in limbo, awaiting certification.
So, there you have it — a sneak peek into Brazil's gambling regulation agenda for the coming years. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, as the SPA continues to rise to the challenge of creating a responsible, accessible gambling ecosystem in Brazil. And remember, when the chips are down, or you've hit the jackpot, make it a point to practice responsible gambling!
Wanna keep up with the latest in Brazilian gambling regulation? Join our Telegram channel!
- The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) announced its regulatory agenda for the 2025-2026 biennium, with a focus on responsible gambling initiatives and preventing addiction in Brazil's gambling market.
- The SPA plans to release draft regulations at the end of each quarter, urging the entire industry to chime in, aiming to create and implement a national self-exclusion platform as an absolute priority.
- Vulnerable gamblers are top of mind for the SPA, with plans to strengthen support guidelines, reduce the negative social impact of gambling, and tighten gambling advertisement restrictions.
- The SPA also aims to harmonize state-level laws with federal guidelines, establish clear criteria for a certification seal, review Exclusive Instant Lottery rules, further regulate financial interactions, combat the black market, and beef up monitoring efforts to ensure licensed operators are held accountable.
