Brazil's online betting boom strains households and drives tax revenue

A growing number of Brazilian consumers are shifting money from essential purchases to online betting platforms. A study by the National Confederation of Retailers and SPC Brazil found that 39.5 million people placed bets in the previous year, with 41 % saying they gave up some consumption and 17 % skipped paying bills to gamble.

The newly regulated market generated close to R$10 billion in federal tax in 2025, the first full year of licensing, with a levy that started at 12 % and is set to rise to 13 % in 2026 and 15 % by 2028. Around 85 operators now hold licences covering almost 190 sites, and roughly 25 million Brazilians placed a bet during the year.

Legal challenges have risen sharply as the sector expands. More than 10,627 lawsuits have been filed against betting companies since 2018, including 5,488 new claims in 2025 and 4,037 in the first five months of 2026. Most disputes centre on fund‑access issues such as blocked withdrawals and account closures.

Consumer‑brand research also shows betting firms gaining visibility alongside e‑commerce and delivery services, while editorial voices warn that betting advertising – R$2.3 billion spent in 2024 and gross revenues of R$37 billion – exerts undue influence on media and public policy.