Brazil rises to fifth‑largest global sports betting market

A recent study by Regulus Partners, cited by BBC News, estimates that Brazil closed 2025 as the world’s fifth‑largest sports betting market, generating about US$4.1 billion in revenue. The rapid expansion follows the country’s 2025 regulatory overhaul, which required operators to obtain licences from the Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas, enforce mandatory bettor identification and ban credit‑based betting.

Analysts expect the 2026 FIFA World Cup to further boost betting volumes, as major sporting events traditionally trigger short‑term spikes in wagering activity. At the same time, the growth of online betting is raising social concerns. The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court upheld a ban on new registrations of social‑program beneficiaries on betting platforms, signalling state awareness of the issue. Gains from betting can be counted as income for students receiving scholarships through ProUni or Cebas‑certified charities, potentially disqualifying them if family earnings exceed legal limits. Officials warn that undisclosed betting winnings may jeopardise scholarship eligibility for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable students.