Brazil Adds Megapix to Its Approved Operators List After Court Ruling

Betting operator Megapix has been added to the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets’ (SPA) list of operators allowed to operate in Brazil before the launch of regulated wagering. As a result, this list now includes 100 gambling operators.

Megapix Was Targeting the Initial Deadline

For context, the SPA had previously warned operators that only a number of companies interested in regulated betting would be allowed to operate during the transition period from October 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

As a result, the secretariat greenlit several dozen companies for operation. The initial list, however, only included 89 companies and 193 brands, omitting Megapix. The reason for this was the fact that Megapix had not submitted an application for a betting license before September 30.

Because of that, the company filed a court injunction, requesting to be added to the list. The injunction was granted on October 16 by the 4th Court of the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region.

While the court agreed that Megapix had missed the September 30 deadline, it argued that the original application deadline had been set for December 31. The court understood that Megapix had been working to meet the original deadline and decided to grant it its injunction.

The List of Approved Operators Is Growing

As mentioned, the injunction cemented Megapix as the 100^th operator to be allowed to operate normally during the transition period. Prior to this approval, authorities also agreed to add Spotvip Group’s Esportiva Vip, CB Esportes and Donos da Bola brands to the list.

Earlier this month, the controversial Esportes da Sorte also made its way into the list after filing a court injunction, much like Megapix. The operator’s CEO, Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, was recently arrested with his wife amid a money laundering probe. The executive was believed to be involved in a criminal scheme involving illegal gambling and money laundering.

The global industry’s sights are set on Brazil as the country prepares to launch regulated betting. UK-based gambling giant Entain recently addressed the matter, saying that it continues to experience dramatic growth in the region ahead of regulation. While the company noted that it expected the regulation and taxes to slow its local growth down, it remained bullish in retaining its leadership position in the LATAM country.