The world of online gaming is no longer a thing of the future. With the new law, Brazil is diving headfirst into this billion-dollar market full of opportunities.
The iGaming sector, the name given to games that take place in the digital environment, has finally been regulated, opening a chapter in the country's economic history. Law 14.790/23, sanctioned at the end of last year, was just the first step towards the full development of online betting in Brazil.
Throughout 2024, the federal government, through the Prizes and Betting Secretariat, published a series of ordinances that detail the rules for the sector's operation as of January 1, 2025.
They address crucial topics such as preventing money laundering, combating match-fixing, protecting players, adopting responsible gaming, and creating a safe and transparent environment for the development of the online betting market.
Despite the need for improvements, we are facing great progress and Brazil is on the path to a promising future.
States and municipalities are also mobilizing to ensure the legality of operations in their territories, seeking a healthy environment for the sector, and the Brazilian consumer is the one who benefits the most from this.
More than a moral issue, this is an opportunity to boost the economy and generate new opportunities. It is time to look beyond casinos and lotteries, and understand iGaming as a complex and multifaceted industry, with the potential to positively impact various sectors of society.
This opens the doors to a new job market, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs that boost the economy, with benefits that extend throughout the entire production chain.
This legislation allows for state oversight and the creation of prevention, support, and treatment programs for people with compulsive gambling problems.
The adoption of clear rules for advertising and the mandatory use of technological mechanisms to alert and block uncontrolled use of betting platforms guarantees the protection for consumers that only a regulated environment can provide.
Therefore, regulation provides legal certainty, encourages investment, and the creation of an innovation ecosystem with companies, startups, and research centers dedicated to technological advancement in iGaming, so that the country can become a hub for the development and export of games, conquering the global market.
Some argue that Brazil is one of the last countries in the world to regulate the gaming sector, but even in this it is possible to see advantages, as we can avoid the mistakes made by other countries and also learn from successful examples. As a successful example, we can mention the United Kingdom, which is constantly evolving its rules.
We can also seek inspiration in strict and broad legislation, such as that applied in Italy and Spain, which have even advanced their laws to regulate both online betting and traditional betting in the physical world.
With a fair and modern perspective, we find an excellent opportunity to not depend solely on luck to build the country. Brazil has all the cards up its sleeve to be a leader in the global online gaming market.
Ana Gatti
Lawyer, specialist in gaming law, and administrative director of IBD (Brazilian Institute of Diversity); former Operations Director of Abrabincs (Brazilian Association of Bingo, Casinos and Similar Establishments)
