Brazil Gets Closer to a Unified National Betting System

Data-driven intelligence provider H2 Gambling Capital has recently predicted important growth for Brazil’s online betting and iGaming market by 2026. 

Now, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) is taking serious steps toward the unification of the national betting system. 

During an important meeting scheduled for April 4, officials representing all federal states in the country will try to hit the refresh button on the gambling framework by eliminating current inconsistencies.

Historical Move for Brazil 

The meeting, aimed at creating more cohesive betting regulations, will give state officials the opportunity to discuss up to three key issues related to the topic.

A centralized system could, according to the SPA, significantly improve coordination between federal and state authorities while also bringing much-needed clarity to regulatory responsibilities.

The fresh system would be aimed at setting uniform standards for responsible gambling, anti-money laundering measures, and match-fixing prevention.

The timing of this gathering is notable, right after the SPA concluded its public consultation process on March 27. 

On the same day as the meeting, the agency is expected to release its finalized 2025–2026 regulatory agenda, with the proposed national betting system taking center stage.

“There Are Always Points to Be Reviewed”

SPA chief Regis Dudena has underscored the importance of flexible and evolving regulations.

 “We have created a framework of main rules which is quite complete and essential for the start of the regulated fixed-odds betting market, but regulation is a cycle; there are always points to be reviewed and improved,” he said in February.

The necessity for collaboration between federal states comes amid a backdrop of legal disputes between different levels of government. 

One of the most high-profile battles involved the Federal Supreme Court (STF) upholding a ruling that prevents the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) from licensing betting operators beyond its own borders. 

As a result, Loterj licensees must now use geolocation technology to restrict access to users within the state.

Tensions are also rising at the municipal level. The Solidarity party has called for a suspension of local lottery operations until the STF determines whether they violate the constitution. 

While the court has so far declined to halt these operations, it has requested further evidence from the party and input from the attorney general’s office.

As Brazil’s gambling market keeps expanding at a fast pace, the SPA believes the national betting system will represent an essential step toward reaching much-desired stability.