Brazil’s iGaming market is undergoing major transformations, as the country regulated online betting in 2025 and presented great opportunities for entrepreneurs. With a population of over 215 million people and a growing middle class, Brazil is set to become one of the largest regulated iGaming markets in the world.
So, if you want to launch an online casino in Brazil, but are not exactly sure on the best way to do it, let us help you! InPlaySoft wrote this guide to show you all the essential steps you need to take, covering current legislation, licensing requirements, cost estimates, and much more.
Understanding the Legal Landscape in Brazil.
Historically, most forms of gambling were illegal in Brazil since the 1940s, with the exception of lottery games - which were operated by Caixa Econômica Federal, a federal bank - and some forms of sports betting. In recent years, however, the Brazilian government regulated the iGaming sector, driven by the potential to generate tax revenue and curb illegal operations.So let’s see the rules that left iGaming operators with a clear runway to take off.
Recent Legal Developments.
Since 1 January of 2025, online gambling has been regulated in Brazil. But this didn’t happen overnight. The story goes back to December 2018, when Brazil passed Law No. 13,756/2018, which legalized both online and land-based fixed-odds sports betting. Five years later, the government approved Provisional Measure (MP) No. 1,182/2023 and Law No. 14,790/2023. The latter formally regulated the operation of fixed-odds betting and opened the door for broader forms of online gambling, including casino games. Currently, the Ministry of Finance is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating online betting and gaming.
Licensing Requirements and Process.
To operate an online casino legally in Brazil, companies must obtain a license from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) under the Ministry of Finance. To apply for a license, key people of the company, such as directors, must undergo due diligence and background checks. Also, according to the Law:
- Operators are required to incorporate in Brazil, with at least 20% Brazilian. ownership, and host data within Brazil or in approved cooperative jurisdictions.
- Licensed platforms must use the .bet.br domain exclusively; non-compliant sites are considered illegal and subject to blocking by Anatel and ISPs.
- Platform requirements include KYC with CPF checks, biometric/facial recognition, geolocation, self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and transaction monitoring.
- Operators must have AML/PLD policies, which became mandatory under SPA/MF Ordinance No. 1,143/2024.
- Companies must have a minimum capital of R$ 30 million and provide a financial guarantee of R$ 5 million.
License Costs and Taxation.
- License Application Fee: R$ 30 million - this covers up to 3 brands for five years, and iGaming operators must maintain R$ 5 million in financial reserves.
- Taxation: Brazil implemented a 12% tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). However, a new rate of 18% is due to take effect on October 1, 2025, due to MP 1303/205.
Sounds like a lot? That’s because it is - but don’t worry. With the right partners and preparation, it’s entirely doable (and worth it).
Step-by-Step Guide to Launching an Online Casino in Brazil.
Step 1: Conduct Market Research.
First of all, companies that want to launch an online casino in Brazil must understand the target audience, competition, popular games, payment methods, and marketing channels. Think of this as your casino starter pack - knowing what Brazilians love to play will help you build something they'll actually stick around for.
For example, in July 2024 Env Media reported that 66.9% of Brazilian real-money gamblers engage in sports betting, which made it the most popular vertical, followed by lotteries with 58.2% and online casinos with 51.1%.
InPlaySoft data, however, suggests that there has been a change in the preference of Brazilians since the start of the regulation, with the majority of bets being placed in online casino games.
Inside the casino games categories, slots are the favorite in Brazil. InPlaySoft’s data indicate that 63% of the casino betting share comes from them, with crash games coming in second place, with 17%. Completing the top-5 are live casino games, with 8%, table games, with 3%, and video slots, with 2%.
When it comes to sports betting, in InPlaySoft’s sportsbook soccer ranks first among the most betted sports, being nine times more popular than basketball, which comes in second place, followed by tennis in third place. The top league for sports betting in Brazil is Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, while NBA is the most popular non-soccer league.
Step 2: Form a Brazilian Legal Entity.
The entrepreneurs will then need to establish a legal company in Brazil. They can either form a Sociedade Limitada (Ltda) or a Sociedade Anônima (S.A.). Lawyers and accountants could assist with:
- Articles of incorporation
- Tax ID (CNPJ)
- Business registration
- Local address and representatives
Step 3: Prepare for Licensing.
The next step is gathering documentation, such as:
- Company structure
- Proof of capital and financial guarantees
- Internal control systems (ICS)
- AML procedures
- IT architecture and game certification reports
- Responsible gambling policies
Step 4: Build the Platform.
To build an iGaming platform for an online casino, companies can either:
- Use a white-label solution, which is a business model where the operator uses the infrastructure, license, and branding services of a provider to run an online casino. In this case, the operator is able to personalize the casino with their own brand name and logo, but they will not own the platform, license, or core operations. The white label provider will handle most of the backend functions, such as licensing, payment processing, game integrations, legal compliance, and technical maintenance.
- Use a turnkey solution: which is a business model where the operator will have full ownership and control of their brand, platform, and operations. This model includes the essential components needed to run an online casino, such as gaming software, payment systems, licensing, customer support tools, and content management systems. Once the setup is complete, the operator will fully own the casino platform, including the domain, customer data, and business operations.
InPlaySoft offers both white label and turnkey solutions for their partners. The best choice depends on the operator’s goals, budget, experience, and long-term vision. For entrepreneurs who aim to build a lasting brand, want full control, and have the resources to manage operations, turnkey casinos are the better choice. For those that are entering the industry, want to test the waters with minimal risk, and prefer to focus on marketing and customer acquisition, white label casinos are the way to go.
Step 5: Integrate Local Payment Solutions.
Offering localized payment options is important for player trust and retention. Brazilian users can use traditional payments such as debit cards and e-wallets, but the country also has a unique payment solution called Pix.
Pix supports P2P, P2B, B2B, B2G payment flows, fueling financial inclusion and enabling access to banking services in underserved regions, including indigenous and rural communities. The system’s interoperability, near-zero fees, and mobile-first design have made real-time payments ubiquitously available, even for micro and everyday transactions.
According to the Financial Times, 76% of the population (around 160 million people) use Pix, making it the most widely used payment method, surpassing both cards and cash. In 2024, Pix processed a staggering 68.7 billion transactions, marking a 52% year-over-year increase, with a total value close to R$ 5 trillion (US$ 900 billion).
Offering PIX, therefore, is essential in the Brazilian market.
Another payment option for Brazilians is boleto, which is a voucher system managed by the Central Bank of Brazil. Boleto is a primary payment option, especially for Brazilians without credit cards. However, boleto payments are often slow, taking several days to process and limited to bank operating hours.
Step 6: Set Up a Responsible Gambling Framework.
Regarding responsible gambling tools in Brazil, companies are legally required to implement:
- Age verification - in Brazil, people under the age of 18 are not allowed to bet - there is a proposal to increase the minimum age to 21.
- Deposit, loss, and time limits.
- Self-exclusion and cool-off periods.
- Reality checks and session reminders.
- Links to help centers and gambling addiction hotlines.
Operators must also verify player identity and source of funds.This helps:
- Prevent underage gambling.
- Detect compulsive gambling behaviors.
- Combat money laundering and fraudulent activity.
Last but not least, operators must comply with LGPD (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados) and store data securely. This protects players from data breaches, identity theft, and the misuse of personal information.
Ongoing Compliance and Maintenance.
After the company launches an online casino, they must still:
- Submit regular reports to the regulator.
- Maintain robust AML checks and audit trails.
- Undergo random inspections or independent audits.
- Update software and security systems continuously.
In short, launch day is just the beginning. Think of it like a marathon, not a sprint, where ongoing compliance is the water station that keeps you moving forward.
The Importance of Choosing a Software Provider.
During the process of launching an online casino, companies will have to choose a reliable and reputable software provider. The provider won’t just supply games, it will also deliver the entire backend infrastructure that powers the casino’s functionality, security, scalability, and user experience.
A high-quality provider ensures smooth integration of games, responsive mobile interfaces, efficient player management tools, and robust fraud prevention systems. Furthermore, in a regulated market like Brazil, working with a provider that meets international compliance standards, such as RNG certification, data protection, and AML readiness, is essential to obtaining and retaining your license.
Poor software can lead to bugs, downtime, slow payouts, and ultimately a loss of trust from your users, which can potentially damage a brand before it even gets off the ground. Therefore, it is important to prioritize proven platforms with a solid track record in regulated markets, customizable options, and comprehensive customer support. In the end, your platform is only as good as the tech behind it, so make sure you're betting on the right partner before your users place their bets on you.
InPlaySoft: a Platform Built for Growth.
If you want to launch an online casino in Brazil, or if you are not fully satisfied with your current software provider, InPlaySoft is the best choice for you. We are an innovative iGaming software provider that creates, delivers and maintains scalable, stable and fast-to-market iGaming platform technology for casino and sportsbook solutions that work for operators who demand not just success but persistent growth.
