Off the Radar: Sizing and socioeconomic impacts of the illegal gambling market in Brazil
The illegal online gambling market in Brazil, made up of unlicensed operators who operate outside the recently implemented regulations, represents a serious problem costing billions of reais to the public coffers and a trap for uninformed bettors. This is what the unprecedented study “Off the Radar: Sizing and socioeconomic impacts of the illegal gambling market in Brazil” points out.
Study on the Betting Market in Brazil
A study conducted by LCA Consultoria Econômica in August 2024 on the fixed-odds betting market in Brazil shows that gambling expenditures represent between 0.2% and 0.5% of total household consumption and between 0.1% and 0.3% of the country’s GDP. The data indicate that there is no evidence that sports betting has caused a systemic crisis for families or the economy, as some sectors claim.
Moreover, the study challenges earlier estimates that suggested Bolsa Família beneficiaries had spent R$3 billion on betting. According to the research, actual spending ranged between R$210 million and R$400 million in August 2024. The findings highlight the need for well-structured regulation to protect consumers and ensure the sector’s sustainable development.
Infographic: Advertising in the Betting Market in Brazil
Advertising in the sports betting sector is governed by specific regulations, consisting of legal and sub-legal instruments. The IBJR believes in the Brazilian model already implemented and recognized worldwide as a reference for self-regulation of advertising across various sectors.
Infographic: Betting on Individual Events
Online gaming platforms also allow betting on so-called individual events. The legislation imposes strict controls to prevent match-fixing. International agreements made by regulated betting operators ensure the integrity of the environment worldwide. That is why it is important to channel bets into the regulated market, where technology, monitoring systems, and controls are in place to guarantee sports integrity.
