Betting professionals have been discussing the issue in meetings at the Ministry of Finance, and this week, the Brazilian Betting and Fantasy Sports Association (ABFS) asked for formal support from the ministry in the dispute. The Ministry of Finance did not respond when contacted.
“In Brazil, Google Play policies currently only allow a limited group of gambling apps, such as lottery apps published by Caixa Econômica Federal and horse racing apps. This policy remains unchanged,” Google said in a statement sent to Coluna do Estadão, adding: “Any changes to our policies are carefully evaluated.”
Android, Google’s operating system for cell phones and tablets, is the most widely used by Brazilians. The other segment uses iOS, a system for Apple devices, which also does not allow users to download betting apps. Apple did not respond when contacted.
Industry complains about restrictions
A representative of a betting company authorized to operate, interviewed confidentially by Coluna do Estadão, complained that Google bans the companies' apps from the Play Store, but allows several advertisements for betting sites on its search engine.
After the sector discussed the issue in meetings at the Treasury, the group formalized the demand to the ministry this week. The ABFS document states that, with the permission of apps in the official Google and Apple stores, “a clear distinction is created between legal and illegal services.”
“Users can trust the legitimacy of the available apps, as the stores require proof of licensing,” continued the entity, which predicted higher revenue if they migrate to apps.
‘Bets’ started receiving licenses this year
Since the beginning of this year, sports betting companies – ‘Bets’, as they are called - have been authorized by the federal government to operate in the country. The betting law was sanctioned in December 2023, after approval by Congress. In 2024, the Ministry of Finance regulated the matter and detailed rules for the operation of the sector.
Source: Estadao
