Gambling License in Brazil

Gambling License in Brazil

Last Update: 18.03.2026

Brazil has recently transitioned from a historically restrictive gambling environment to a regulated market. For decades, gambling activities were largely prohibited, but with the adoption of new legislation and the launch of a regulated framework on January 1, 2025, the country has opened one of the largest iGaming markets in the world.

Today, Brazil represents one of the most promising jurisdictions for gambling operators due to its large population, strong demand for betting services, and newly established legal framework.

Bergerslegal provides full support for entering the Brazilian gambling market, including licensing strategy, company setup, compliance structuring, and interaction with regulators.

Advantages of a Brazilian Gambling License

Access to a large and active market

Brazil has a population of over 200 million people, with a high level of online engagement. Gambling, particularly sports betting, is already widely used, creating strong demand for licensed platforms.

Legal market entry

With the introduction of regulation in 2025, operators can now legally provide gambling services under a transparent framework, reducing legal risks and improving long-term business stability.

Long-term license validity

The license is issued for up to 5 years and allows operators to manage multiple brands (skins) under one structure, which supports scalability.

High revenue potential

Brazil previously accounted for a significant share of global online gambling traffic, indicating strong monetization potential once operating within a regulated environment.

Government support and market growth

The legalization of gambling is designed to increase tax revenues and attract international investment, which supports further development of the sector.

Challenges and Considerations

Operating in Brazil also involves a number of constraints that must be considered.

• high entry costs and financial thresholds;
• strict compliance requirements;
• mandatory local presence;
• evolving regulatory framework;
• limited access to local banking services;
• restrictions on advertising and promotion.

These factors make Brazil more suitable for well-capitalized operators with strong compliance infrastructure.

Requirements for Obtaining a Gambling License

To obtain a license in Brazil, operators must meet several key conditions.

Corporate requirements

• company must be registered in Brazil;
• local office and administrative presence required;
• at least 20% local ownership by a Brazilian shareholder.

Financial requirements

• payment of a substantial license fee;
• proof of financial stability;
• financial forecasts and reporting;
• minimum financial reserves.

Compliance requirements

• AML and KYC procedures;
• responsible gaming policies;
• fraud prevention systems;
• monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

Technical requirements

• platform certification;
• secure payment infrastructure;
• compliance with data protection and cybersecurity standards;
• integration with regulator systems.

Documents Required

The application package generally includes:

• incorporation documents;
• shareholder and ownership structure;
• financial statements and forecasts;
• proof of financial reserves;
• AML/KYC policies;
• technical certification documents;
• business plan;
• staff and management information;
• advertising compliance documentation.

A complete and well-prepared file is critical for successful approval.

Procedure for Obtaining a Gambling License in Brazil

The licensing process in Brazil is carried out through the electronic platform of the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA) — SIGAP (Sistema de Gestão de Apostas). It includes several stages and requires coordination between corporate, regulatory, and technical elements.

Step 1: Registration of a legal entity

The first step is to establish a local company, typically in the form of a Sociedade Limitada (Ltda.) or a similar legal structure.

The company must:

• obtain a Brazilian tax number (CNPJ);
• appoint a Brazilian legal representative (required for foreign shareholders);
• define its ownership structure, including compliance with the 20% local shareholder requirement.

At this stage, the following documents are submitted:

• incorporation documents;
• articles of association;
• ownership structure details;
• shareholder identification.

Company registration forms the legal basis for filing the license application and opening corporate bank accounts.

Step 2: Preparation and submission of documents

After registration, the operator compiles a full application package in accordance with SPA/MF Resolution No. 561/2024.

This includes:

• detailed business plan;
• financial guarantees and projections;
• AML/KYC documentation;
• compliance policies;
• technical descriptions of the platform;
• reports from independent auditors and certification bodies.

All documents are submitted through the SIGAP electronic portal.

Errors, inconsistencies, or incomplete documentation may result in delays or requests for revision.

Step 3: Application review and compliance check

The SPA conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant.

This includes:

• verification of corporate structure and ownership transparency;
• assessment of financial stability and funding sources;
• review of AML/KYC systems and compliance policies;
• evaluation of advertising and operational policies for compliance with national rules.

If necessary, the regulator may request additional documentation or clarification during this phase.

Step 4: Gaming platform certification

Before the license is issued, the operator must complete full certification of its gaming systems and infrastructure.

This includes:

• cybersecurity testing;
• system functionality checks;
• integration capability with SPA and Central Bank monitoring systems;
• audit of source code and platform logic;
• stress testing and performance validation;
• certification by independent laboratories (e.g., GLI, GA Lab).

The purpose of this stage is to ensure transparency, fairness, and operational reliability.

Step 5: Payment of the license fee

Immediately after approval

After successful completion of the review process, the operator is notified to pay the license fee.

Key points:

• the fee is paid as a one-time lump sum;
• it grants the right to operate for 5 years;
• no additional renewal fee is required for this period.

Failure to pay within the required timeframe may result in cancellation of the application.

Step 6: Local compliance setup and regulatory registration

Before starting operations, the operator must finalize local compliance infrastructure.

This includes:

• appointment of a resident compliance officer;
• appointment of an AML specialist;
• registration with COAF (financial monitoring authority);
• development of internal risk management policies;
• implementation of a business continuity plan;
• localization of platform and support services (Portuguese language required).

This stage ensures operational readiness and regulatory alignment.

Step 7: License issuance and launch

Once all requirements are fulfilled and payment is confirmed, the SPA issues the official license.

From this point, the operator is legally authorized to:

• provide fixed-odds betting services;
• operate within the Brazilian regulated gambling framework;
• engage users under full regulatory compliance.

Total Timeline

In practice, the full licensing process typically takes:

8 to 12 months, depending on:

• quality of documentation;
• responsiveness to regulator requests;
• speed of technical certification;
• internal preparation level of the operator.

Licensing Timeline (Brazil)

Types of Licensing in Brazil

Brazil uses a structured licensing model with several possible formats.

Federal license

The main license issued by the national regulator. It allows operators to offer fixed-odds betting and other approved gambling activities across the country.

Temporary license

A short-term authorization issued while the operator completes final requirements. It allows limited activity under regulatory supervision.

Regional licenses

Some states and municipalities may issue local permits. These are typically limited geographically and do not provide nationwide coverage.

Types of Brazil Gambling Licenses

Fees and Financial Requirements

Brazil has one of the highest entry thresholds among gambling jurisdictions.

Key financial elements include:

• significant one-time license fee;
• costs for certification and compliance;
• corporate setup costs;
• ongoing operational and regulatory expenses.

There is no traditional annual license renewal fee, but operators must maintain ongoing compliance and reporting obligations, which generate recurring costs.

License Fees and Cost Structure (Brazil)

Regulation

The Brazilian gambling market is regulated through a centralized system introduced after recent legal reforms.

The core regulatory authority is the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA), which operates under the Ministry of Finance.

Other involved authorities include:

• Ministry of Finance;
• Central Bank of Brazil;
• Federal Revenue Service;
• COAF (financial monitoring authority);
• telecommunications and regional authorities.

The regulatory framework is based on modern legislation that defines licensing procedures, compliance obligations, and operational standards.

Ongoing Obligations

Licensed operators must maintain continuous compliance.

Key obligations include:

• financial reporting;
• AML/KYC monitoring;
• transaction reporting;
• system audits;
• responsible gaming measures;
• compliance with advertising rules.

Failure to comply may result in penalties, fines, or license revocation.

Taxation

Operators in Brazil are subject to a multi-layered tax system.

Typical components include:

• tax on gross gaming revenue;
• corporate income tax;
• social contributions;
• possible municipal taxes.

Tax Structure (Brazil Gambling)

Conclusion

Brazil is one of the most promising new gambling markets globally, offering access to a large and active audience within a regulated framework. At the same time, the jurisdiction requires substantial investment, strong compliance capabilities, and careful preparation.

For operators able to meet these requirements, Brazil offers long-term growth potential and access to one of the largest markets in Latin America.

Bergerslegal provides full support throughout the process, from market entry strategy to licensing and ongoing compliance.