Brazil Betting Sites
Below you can find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated sports betting sites operating in Brazil. Each betting site was thoroughly tested and verified by our team.
Brazil’s culture and history have always been permeated by sports, so the complex situation regarding the legality of sports betting in the country is somewhat surprising. The world’s fifth-largest country in terms of population (211 million as of 2018) is often referred to as the “sleeping giant” because of the immense unrealized potential it carries when it comes to gambling regulations. The country is the eighth-biggest economy in the world, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.05 trillion as of 2017, with projected economic growth of 2.5% for 2019.
It makes sense that a country whose population is so passionate about sports, and soccer in particular, would have implemented adequate regulations to allow for legal sports betting long ago, but this has not been the case here, at least not until recently. Sports betting and most other forms of gambling were illegal in Brazil until December 2018, when President Michel Temer approved a bill that would finally bring regulated live and online sports betting to Brazil.
Brazilian Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
Betano | 55 | 4.4 ⭐ |
22Bet | 2,625 | 3.9 ⭐ |
20Bet | 1,000 | 3.6 ⭐ |
LeoVegas Sport | 6,946 | 3.2 ⭐ |
Megapari | 4,506 | 3.1 ⭐ |
Melbet | 1,418 | 2.8 ⭐ |
1xBet | 8,033 | 2.8 ⭐ |
Pinnacle | 251 | 2.2 ⭐ |
Royal Panda | 1,606 | 2.2 ⭐ |
LVbet | 300 | 1.6 ⭐ |
Betsafe | 266 | 1.4 ⭐ |
bet365 | 5,918 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Betway | 17,782 | 1.3 ⭐ |
Betsson | 205 | 1.3 ⭐ |
888sport | 2,464 | 1.1 ⭐ |
Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Brazil
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
bet365 | Football, Tennis, Speedway, Table Tennis, and 40+ other sports | $/€5-10 | $/€5-10 | $/€0.10 | New Account Offer up to €30 in Free Bets | Place qualifying bets to release bet credits (New Account Offer)
| Yes | UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) |
22Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Volleyball, and over 40 other sports | • $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methods | Depends on payment provider | $0.30/€0.20 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€122 | • 5x bonus funds on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882) Curacao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) |
20Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports | • $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other Methods | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100 | • 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets at odds of 2.0 or higher (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) |
Betano | Football, Soccer, Golf,Formula 1, Cricket, and 20+other sports | $10 | $10 | $0.09/€0.06 | Canada: 100% up to $500 UK: Bet £10, Get £10 Bulgaria: 100% up to 300 BGN | Bulgaria UK: Requires a £10 bet at odds | Yes | UK Gambling Commission Alcohol and Gaming Malta Gaming Authority Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) |
Betway | Football, Horse Racing, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, and 25+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 |
|
| Yes |
|
Betsson | Cricket, Baseball,Basketball, Soccer, and 30 other sports | €10 | €20 | €0.10 | Welcome Package: €100 Bonus Daily Acca Insurance: €15 cashback, up to 3 times a day (€45 in total) | Welcome Package: 8x the bonus (odds of 1.80), 1x the net win for free bets at min (odds of 1.50) No WR on Acca Insurance | Yes | Malta Gaming Authority Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) Danish Gambling Authority (DGA) |
Pinnacle | Football, baseball, hockey, cricket, golf, soccer, and 10+sports | • Bitcoin - $/€10 • Bank Wire - €100 • E-Wallets - $/€10 • Cards - $/€20 | • Bitcoin - $12/€10 • E-Wallets - $/€10 • Cards - $/€20 | $/€1 | N/A | N/A | Yes | AGCO (OPIG1236075) |
888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | Deposit and bet €10 and get €30 in Free Bets on First Bet |
| Yes | UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) |
Melbet | Football, Basketball, Baseball, American Football, Tennis, Golf, Ice Hockey, and 35+ other sports | • Jeton, MoneyGO, Discover, Paysera - $/€1• directDebit, directDebit+, Interac - CA$25 | • Jeton, Payeer, Beeline, Tele2, Kcell, Active, Pyypl - $/€1.50 | $/€1 | 100% bonus | CA$1 Minimum deposit requirement; The bonus amount must be wagered 5 times in accumulator bets (100% bonus on the first deposit up to 150 CAD) | Yes | Curacao (#8048/JAZ2020-060) |
Megapari | Football, Basketball,Hockey, Tennis, and40 other sports | From $/€1 (varies based onmethod) | $/€10 for cards$/€5 for AstroPay | $0.30/€0.20 | Free bet of up to $110 100% bonus of up | Free bet: 1x on Deposit match: 5x | Yes | Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Comoros (ALSI-112310012-F15) |
LVbet | Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, and 10+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€20 | $/€0.50 | • 100% First Deposit Bonus up to €50 | • 8x deposit + bonus on 2-fold acca with min. total odds of 2.00 (Welcome Offer) | Yes | MGA (#MGA/B2C/282/2015) |
Royal Panda | No | |||||||
Betsafe | Football, Tennis, Basketball, American Football, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | * Welcome Offer 100% up to €100 + €15 Free Bets | * 8x WR on deposit on odds of 1.50 or greater within 30 days; 1x WR on free bet on odds of 1.50 (Welcome Offer) | Yes | MGA (MGA/CRP/108/2004, MGA/B2C/959/2022) |
1xBet | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | €20 - Trustly€10 - Jeton, Skrill€5 - Skrill€1.50 - Other methods | $/€0.10 | * 100% First Deposit Bonus up to €200 | * 5 WR on bonus in accumulator bets; each accumulator bet must include 3 or more selections, where at least 3 of them must be at odds of 1.40 or higher (100% First Deposit Bonus) | Yes | |
LeoVegas Sport | Football, Baseball, Tennis, Table Tennis, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€20 | $/€0.10 | Welcome Offer: Up to 3 Free Bets €10 each |
| Yes | MGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) |
Top 15 Betting Sites for Brazil
bet365
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)Min Deposit$/€5-10Min Withdrawal$/€5-10Withdrawal TimeCards, E-wallets, Paysafecard: 1-4 hours; Apple Pay: instant; Wire Transfer: 1-2 banking daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsUEFA Champions LeagueContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365- Extensive experience in the online gaming scene
- Numerous bonuses and promotions
- Responsive customer support
- Apps for iOS and Android users
- Competitive odds
- Extensive market coverage
Most bettors around the world know that bet365 is a brand they can trust whenever they want to embark on an online sports betting adventure. Brazilian sports fans and bettors can also join bet365 and enjoy a rewarding, entertaining, and secure betting experience online.
In addition to offering competitive odds on various sports, bet365 allows its members to place in-play bets. Many sports betting enthusiasts value this option because they can wager while their favorite games are in progress. Brazilian bettors will also appreciate that bet365 provides a dedicated mobile app, enabling them to place bets on major events while on the move.
22Bet
Min Deposit• $10 for MiFinity; • 0.001 BTC for Bitcoin; • $11.64 for most other methodsMin WithdrawalDepends on payment providerWithdrawal Time• Cryptocurrencies - 24 hours • E-wallets - 15 minutes • Credit and debit cards - up to 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806- Coverage of more than 1,000 sporting events each day
- Over 100 payment methods
- Minimum deposits of only $1
- A broad range of limited-time and recurring sportsbook promotions
- Native iOS and Android apps
- Dedicated customer support available in several languages
Every type of betting enthusiast in Brazil can have a great time at 22Bet. This gambling brand knows how to make anyone’s experience worthwhile, with the sportsbook section on the website offering odds on top internationally popular sports. Whether you prefer football, basketball, tennis, or another sport, at 22Bet you can explore major leagues and choose from different betting markets.
The 22Bet app is also available to Brazilian bettors, allowing them to enjoy smooth, fast, and secure wagers on the go. To make the experience even more rewarding and exciting, the sportsbook features generous promotions that many bettors will appreciate.
20Bet
Min Deposit• $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other MethodsMin Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - 12 hours • Cryptos - 24 hours • Credit/debit cards - 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A- Extensive coverage of top sporting events
- A generous welcome offer
- Supports a variety of secure and easy-to-use payment methods
- All bettors automatically join 20Bet’s VIP program
- Android and iOS users can bet on a fully optimized mobile version of 20Bet
- 24/7 live chat customer support
You are bound to enjoy your time at 20Bet because the brand understands what every bettor needs. With great odds on the latest and most popular sporting events, 20Bet is one of the best destinations for Brazilian online bettors. Those with favorite sports can choose from an extensive selection of leagues and betting markets.
Members of the sportsbook can make both pre-match and in-play bets, allowing bettors to build their wagers with ease. The sportsbook also offers various promotions to help bettors secure the best value for their stakes. Best of all, the entire 20Bet experience is accessible on any mobile device, making betting on the go simple.
Betano
LicensesUK Gambling Commission (039576-R-319370-022)Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/152/2007)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)Min Deposit$10Min Withdrawal$10Withdrawal TimeCards: 3 to 5 daysE-Wallets: 24 hoursApple Pay: 1 to 3 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsFC Porto Aston Villa UEFA Euro 2024 Copa America 2024 Sporting CP Portugal SL Benfica PAOK Olympiacos FC FCSB AC Sparta Prague HC Dynamo Apoel FC and moreContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: help@betano.co.ukPhone: +44 7360 539790- Offers competitive odds on popular sports
- Live betting is available on major events
- The bookie offers SuperOdds on select events
- Bettors can utilize a variety of payment options
- Generous promotions available for sportsbook members
Brazilian betting fans can easily place wagers on a wide range of sporting events when they join Betano. The brand has been dominating the sports betting scene in several markets, and Brazil is no exception. Betano’s sportsbook offers high-value bets on popular sports such as football, tennis, basketball, and many more.
Members can explore odds on events from major leagues and choose from numerous betting markets. To make the experience even more engaging, try placing a few in-play bets on events that are happening in real time.
Betway
Bet Now ReviewLicenses- UKGC (#000-039372-R-319367)
- MGA (#MGA/B2C/130/2006)
- GGL (#RPDA-Dez. III. 34-73c 38.01/8-2019/13)
- Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (#10181496-010)
- The Irish Revenue Commissioners (1010156)
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - up to 24 hours • Debit cards and bank transfers - 2 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsArsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Manchester City FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Atletico Madrid FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@betway.com; Phone: varies according to country- More than 10 years of experience
- High betting limits
- Prompt, professional support service
- Great odds for more than 30 sports
- Available in 11 languages
- Live streaming of major sporting events
Betway is a betting brand Brazilian bettors can trust when they want to wager on major sporting events and get great value for their stakes. In the sportsbook section of Betway, you can choose from a myriad of sports, including both internationally popular and less common categories.
As a member, you can place various types of bets because Betway offers numerous betting markets. In addition to pre-match wagers, the sportsbook also gives you the chance to make in-play bets, adding extra excitement to your betting experience.
Betsson
ReviewLicensesMalta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€20Withdrawal TimeBank Transfer: 2 to7 days; Cards: 2 to 5 days; E-Wallets: Up to 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsAtletico NacionalInter MilanClub Atlético Boca JuniorsRacing Club de AvellanedaContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300- Numerous betting markets
- In-play betting
- Accepts various hassle-free and secure payment methods
- Properly regulated online sportsbook
- Great customer support
- Live streaming of big events
Betsson is a great place for Brazilian fans of sports and betting, offering a top-notch experience to its members. Regardless of the sport they follow, bettors will find odds on some of the biggest events worldwide, including the most popular leagues in every sport.
To make betting even more exciting, the brand provides markets such as totals, match winner, handicaps, futures, and more. Another popular feature at Betsson is live betting, which lets bettors place wagers while their favorite games are being played. The sportsbook also allows early cash-out on many events, enabling bettors to secure part of their winnings before the bet is fully settled.
Pinnacle
Min Deposit• Bitcoin - $/€10 • Bank Wire - €100 • E-Wallets - $/€10 • Cards - $/€20Min Withdrawal• Bitcoin - $12/€10 • E-Wallets - $/€10 • Cards - $/€20Withdrawal Time• Bank Transfer - 1-3 banking days • E-Wallets - 24hours • Cards - few minutes to 5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsMalta Vibes UltimateKnockout CS:GOTournament (2021)Contact DetailsLive chat: Yes Phone: N/A Email: customerservice@pinnacle.com- Bookmaker with more than 20 years of experience
- Covers a wide range of popular sports
- Offers competitive odds on the latest events
- Live betting available on various events
- Fully optimized mobile version
- Fast and secure payments
Sports fans in Brazil can add extra excitement to their favorite games by placing wagers on their predictions. At Pinnacle, they can access some of the best odds on today’s most popular leagues and events. The brand carefully caters to every type of bettor, offering wagers on numerous sports and a variety of betting markets.
Members of Pinnacle enjoy a smooth and safe betting experience at any time, as the brand uses industry-standard tools and measures to protect its patrons and their funds. For bankroll management, the sportsbook accepts a variety of payment methods that ensure hassle-free and secure transactions.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Visa and ApplePay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A- In-play betting
- Long history in the gambling industry
- Dozens of supported payment solutions
- Wide range of sports
- Excellent mobile support
- Dedicated mobile app
Whether you are an experienced bettor or just dipping your toes into sports betting, 888sport is the right place for you. The site is ready to meet the needs of every type of bettor, offering competitive odds on a wide range of sporting events. There is never a dull moment at 888sport because the bookmaker provides various betting markets that appeal to different players.
To deliver a rewarding and thrilling experience, 888sport also offers a variety of incentives that help bettors add more value to their stakes. If you are in the mood to bet but are not sure where to start, you can check the 888 Specials category to view the odds selected by 888sport.
Melbet
Min Deposit• Jeton, MoneyGO, Discover, Paysera - $/€1• directDebit, directDebit+, Interac - CA$25Min Withdrawal• Jeton, Payeer, Beeline, Tele2, Kcell, Active, Pyypl - $/€1.50Withdrawal Time15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsZavkhan BrothersStalwart EsportsSpanish LaLigaTrinbago Knight RidersATOX ESPORTS MNJuventus' regional partner in Africa and the Middle EastContact DetailsLive chat: Yes Phone: +442038077601 Email: info-en@melbet.com- Covers both local and international leagues and tournaments
- Offers competitive odds on various sports
- Extensive selection of eSports options
- Generous sportsbook promotions
- Supports numerous secure and easy-to-use payment methods
- Mobile version of the sportsbook available for Android and iOS users
Melbet is a sportsbook that ensures a smooth betting experience for Brazilian fans of online sports wagering. The site’s sportsbook lobby caters to different bettors, offering categories that cover a wide range of sports, races, and even entertainment events. Every section of the sportsbook provides bettors with various betting markets, each capable of delivering rewarding results.
In addition to pre-match bets, Melbet also offers live betting on some of the biggest international and local sporting events. Building bets is straightforward, and the best part of Melbet is that the entire experience is available on the go thanks to a dedicated mobile app.
Megapari
Min DepositFrom $/€1 (varies based onmethod)Min Withdrawal$/€10 for cards$/€5 for AstroPayWithdrawal Time15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: YesTelephone: +44 113 340 6785 +357 8009 2576Email: support@megapari.com agentsmegapari@megapari.com- Optimized for various mobile devices
- Bet Constructor allows easy bet building
- Extensive sports coverage
- Bountiful promotions for new and existing members
- Fast and easy payments
- Supports various payment methods
Megapari is a gambling brand that caters to a wide range of players. Through its sportsbook section, Brazilian bettors can easily place wagers on major local and international sporting events. The bookmaker ensures it covers some of the biggest leagues in every sport, giving bettors a broad choice of betting markets.
A standout feature of Megapari’s sportsbook is its live betting section, which lets bettors place wagers on popular events as they happen in real time.
LVbet
Bet NowLicensesMGA (#MGA/B2C/282/2015) Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Poland (#PS4.6831.9.2016.EQK) Latvian Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection (#TI-14)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€20Withdrawal Time• Debit cards - up to 3 business days• E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Bank transfers - 3-5 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsHamrun Handball Club, WKS Śląsk Wrocław, Piast Gliwice FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@lvbet.com; support@lvbet.lv Phone: N/A- Covers top sports leagues
- Latest odds on a variety of events
- Live betting available for numerous sports
- Generous promotions await members of the sportsbook
- The betslip allows easy single, combi, and system bets
- Supports an array of payment methods
Brazilian bettors can enjoy a superb betting experience when they join LVBet. The brand provides a wide variety of sports betting options, helping fans of different sports discover the latest odds on their favorite events. With multiple betting markets available across various sports, bettors can revel in a thrilling sports betting experience from the comfort of home.
When you join LVBet, you will see the hottest bets in the Recommended section of the sportsbook. If you have a specific event in mind, simply browse the list of available sports to find odds on your favorite games. For even more excitement, check the live betting section, which offers in-play bets on numerous events.
Royal Panda
Min DepositMin WithdrawalWithdrawal TimeDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact Details- A trustworthy betting site
- Different betting markets covering popular sports
- Live Calendar that shows upcoming events
- Bettors can utilize commonly used and convenient payment solutions
- Easy-to-contact customer support
- Various generous promotions for bettors
If you are a fan of football, tennis, basketball, or volleyball, be sure to explore the popular section of Royal Panda. The brand offers odds on numerous popular sports as well as many less common categories that bettors may appreciate. The betting markets available at Royal Panda let bettors place exciting wagers and look forward to strong returns when their bets succeed.
Building your bets is extremely easy thanks to the sportsbook’s betslip tool. Not only is the betting experience at Royal Panda smooth and enjoyable, but you can also take it with you wherever you go. Because the site has a mobile-compatible version, simply grab your smartphone and place your bets with a few taps.
Betsafe
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time* Bank cards - up to 5 business days; E-wallets - up to 24 hours; Bank Transfer - up to 5 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support-en@betsafe.com Phone: +44 808 238 0028- Trusted and legitimate website
- Wide range of payment services and currencies
- Great 24/7 customer support
- Dozens of betting markets
- Licensed by the MGA and UKGC
- Excellent live betting selection
Betsafe gives sports betting fans the chance to explore numerous wagering options and choose the odds that offer the best value. Finding your favorite leagues and events is easy, with Betsafe covering all major sports as well as some less common categories.
In addition to diverse betting markets, Betsafe also offers in-play betting. This option is available on different sports, allowing live wagers while big events are underway. Bettors can add extra fun to their experience by redeeming the bookmaker’s promotions, improving their chances of bigger wins.
1xBet
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal€20 - Trustly€10 - Jeton, Skrill€5 - Skrill€1.50 - Other methodsWithdrawal Time* Bank cards - Instant/up to 7 days* E-wallets - 15 min - 24 hours* Bank Transfers - Up to 5 days* Crypto - 15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsFC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LaLiga, Serie A TIM, CAF, ESL, MIBR, Beastcoast, Aurora, LOSC Lille, IHCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@1xbet-team.com Phone: +44 127 325-69-87- Extensive sports coverage
- Offers odds on both local and international leagues
- Live betting with an option to stream certain events
- Mobile applications for multiple devices
- Accepts various payment methods
- Convenient contact options
Brazilian sports fans who enjoy online betting can visit 1xbet and explore the odds the bookmaker offers. This web-based sportsbook is great for novice bettors as well as experienced players. With competitive odds and extensive sports coverage, 1xbet provides many suitable options for different betting enthusiasts. Check the sports categories to see odds on some of the biggest events.
Members of 1xbet can place pre-match bets as well as in-play wagers on a wide range of events. A major perk of live betting at this bookmaker is the ability to stream some of the events that support in-play betting.
LeoVegas Sport
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€20Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards: 3-5 days • E-wallets: up to 24 hours • Bank Transfer: 2-5 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsWolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (2023/2024)Contact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: help@leovegas.com; Phone: N/A- Covers a variety of popular sports
- Offers competitive odds
- Bettors can redeem generous promotions
- Fast and secure payments
- Dedicated Android and iOS app
- Live betting on major sporting events
LeoVegas is a sportsbook brand that caters to the needs of various bettors, making their betting experience fun, safe, and rewarding. Brazilian bettors are also among those who can join LeoVegas and place wagers on some of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The sportsbook lobby covers major local and international leagues, with betting markets that let bettors place different types of wagers. Members can also take advantage of LeoBoost, which provides enhanced odds on select sporting events. Together, these features create a superb overall sports betting experience at LeoVegas.
Despite the long absence of a regulated sports betting market, Brazilians have always been enthusiastic about wagering on the outcomes of sporting events. There are no legal land-based or online sportsbooks in Brazil, but the illegal sports betting market is thriving. Soccer remains a favorite among Brazilian bettors, but wagers are also commonly placed on horse racing, basketball, tennis, volleyball, baseball, rugby, and mixed martial arts.
Although Brazil is still in the initial stages of regulating its sports betting market, betting on the internet is not new to Brazilian bettors. Many sports fans have moved their action online, where they enjoy a wider variety of pre-match and in-play markets at very competitive odds. Numerous licensed offshore betting sites are happy to accept bets from players in the country, catering to their needs with extensive coverage of sporting competitions and leagues.
Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Brazil
The government first attempted to uproot illegal online gambling back in 2006, but failed. New attempts were made in 2008 and 2010, again to no avail. In 2011, the Brazilian Senate concentrated its efforts on banning online sportsbooks but did not gain enough support.
There were also discussions on the introduction of measures aimed at blocking Brazilian bettors from accessing foreign betting sites, but this idea also failed to come to fruition. The Senate attempted to pass a piece of legislation that would introduce regulations on online sports betting, but then-President Dilma Rousseff rejected it in 2015.
Until recently, horse race wagering was the only legal form of sports betting in Brazil, and only when conducted on authorized land-based racecourses. Wagering outside a racecourse is still considered illegal gambling and, as such, is subject to penalties.
Fantasy sports are exempt from the online betting ban because they fall into the category of games of skill; the results are not based solely on luck, and the outcomes are often influenced by the strategies players use. Therefore, wagering on fantasy sports is considered neither gambling nor sports betting in Brazil, where there is no governmental entity to issue licenses for the provision of such services.
A legislative reform that took place in 2015 imposed penalties on those caught taking part in online or land-based betting, with fines ranging between R$2,000 and R$200,000. But the good news is Brazil is no longer a gray-area market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most essential laws that have helped shape Brazil’s current sports betting landscape.
Key Sports Betting Laws
Under the provisions of the bill, those who conduct unlawful sports betting are penalized. Anyone who operates such betting activities risks a penalty of three months to a year in jail. Several years after the passing of the bill came Decree Law No. 9215, which revoked the license of all casinos and completely eradicated casino gambling in the country.
Horse race betting did not fall under the scope of the Criminal Contravention Act. Currently, it is regulated under the provisions of Law 7291, which was enacted in 1984. Up until 2005, bettors from Brazil were allowed to make pari-mutuel wagers only on races that took place on the two local racecourses, Rio de Janeiro’s Hipodromo da Gavea and Rio Grande do Sul’s Hipodromo do Cristal. A revision in the law (Normative Instruction No. 27) allowed for the introduction of pari-mutuel wagers on international races.
The Brazilian authorities struck a deal with Spain-based racetrack and gambling operator Codere, which allowed Brazilian bettors to wager on a range of international horse races in Codere’s simulcasting parlors.
Wagering on horse races is supervised by the Comissão Coordenadora da Criação do Cavalo Nacional, which collects a monthly fee from the organizers. The exact amount depends on the cumulative wagers collected during the month. Sums below R$2,500 are exempted from taxation. Cumulative wagers between R$2,501 and R$3,500 are taxed at a rate of 0.5%. Bets between R$3,501 and R$4,000 are taxed at 1%, while wagers exceeding R$4,001 carry a 1.5% tax rate.
Until recently, Brazilian laws did not contain any provisions pertaining to participation in and distribution of online sports betting. Technically speaking, online betting is illegal under the Criminal Contravention Act of 1941, but the country’s authorities fail to exercise proper control over local bettors, who continue to actively wager on sports betting sites located and licensed in other jurisdictions.
The most recent developments have taken a turn for the better. In November 2018, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies gave the thumbs up to a new piece of legislation that will allow Brazilian bettors to legally wager on sporting competitions. The new bill was signed into law by President Michel Temer in December 2018.
The Ministry of Finance is expected to develop regulatory frameworks governing live and online fixed-odds sports betting within the next two years. It is not yet clear whether the new law will open the Brazilian sports betting market to foreign competition. A 2016 proposal from President Temer to establish a state monopoly on sports betting suggests the opposite. We will have to wait and see, as at present there are not many details on the new bill’s content.
What we currently know is that land-based betting facilities must return to Brazilian bettors around 80% of their overall handle, while those operating remotely, i.e. over the internet, are required to give back 89% of their handle.
Additionally, one of the provisions of the new law calls for government taxes of 6% and 8% on the handles of land-based and online sports betting operators, respectively. Under another provision, land-based sportsbooks will have to contribute 2.5% of their revenue to the National Public Security Fund, whereas the figure drops to 1% for online betting operators.
The bottom line is Brazilian bettors will have no choice but to continue wagering at unauthorized betting sites that are based outside the country until the government comes up with an adequate licensing and regulatory framework.
Brazil Sporting Events Coverage and Markets
There are all kinds of bets you can experiment with, but some of the most commonly preferred options include Match Betting, Both Teams to Score, Over/Under, Correct Score, Half-Time, and Double Chance.
More experienced bettors can try handicaps, but exotic wagers such as proposition bets and outrights are also accepted. Brazil-friendly sportsbooks allow for bets on both pre-match and live soccer, with some of the operators offering livestreaming services that give you a chance to watch sporting events directly on your smartphone or desktop computer.
But let’s not forget Brazilians are avid horse racing fans as well. Their demand for horse race betting is met by offshore sportsbooks that tend to provide comprehensive coverage of all major competitions that take place across the world. The sportsbooks normally feature in-depth statistics about the horses, their trainers, and previous results, so you can use this information to make better-informed decisions with your bets.
But the sports betting enthusiasm of bettors from Brazil extends far beyond soccer and horse racing. Brazilians are very keen on sports like jiu-jitsu and vale tudo, so a good Brazil-friendly sportsbook would normally offer extensive coverage of MMA and UFC competitions.
Tennis and basketball are also quite popular among sports bettors from the country. Offshore sportsbooks present them with an array of events from the NBA, the EuroLeague, the Argentinian LNB, the ATP, the WTA, the Grand Slam, and the ITF, among many others.
There are currently no betting sites based in Brazil, but some of the sportsbooks friendly to customers from the country accept payments in the local BRL currency and support Portuguese as a language option, making it easy for Brazilians to wager and manage their accounts.
Popular Odds Format in Brazil
Thus, if you make a bet at odds of 2/11, you win only R$2 for your original stake of R$11. To calculate your potential profit, multiply your original wager by the numerator and divide by the denominator, then add the stake to arrive at the total return. For instance, R$10 staked at odds of 11/2 will yield a total return of R$65, for a profit of R$55, because [{R$10/2}* 11] + R$10 = R$65.
Brazilian bettors who find working with fractions confusing have the option to change their default odds format to decimals, which indeed are easier to work with. If we asked you which odds are better, 7/2 or 9/5, you would have to think for a while before you figure it out. It is much easier to answer the question if the odds were expressed as 4.50 and 2.80, right?
Calculating your potential returns with winning bets is simpler when the decimal odds are used because you only need to multiply your stake by the decimal number. So if you choose the bet with odds of 4.50 (7/2 in the fractional format), you can expect a return of R$45 for a winning wager of R$10 because R$10 * 4.50 = R$45.
Decimal odds of 2.0 are said to return even money. Respectively, anything less than 2.0 yields a return that is smaller than your original stake. Note that bookies never offer you bets at prices smaller than 1.00 because such wagers do not return any profit whatsoever. Brazil-friendly sportsbooks largely support both decimal and fractional odds, so feel free to choose whichever format you are more comfortable with.
Payment Solutions for Sports Bettors from Brazil
Another locally available option is AstroPay, which is a virtual prepaid card supported across Latin America and certain parts of Asia such as India, China, and Thailand. Brazil’s government has made attempts to prohibit local banks from processing payments to and from unauthorized betting sites, but the efforts proved futile. Conventional payment solutions like wire transfers and checks are also among the alternatives.
Brazilian bettors were once able to use the popular e-wallets Skrill and Neteller, but unfortunately this is no longer the case. As of February 2018, the two companies refuse to process payments to online betting sites if the transactions are initiated by Brazilian residents.
Whichever available method you choose, we suggest you always use your local BRL currency if it is supported by the operator you have registered with. This will help you avoid additional charges for currency conversion.
Bonuses and Rewards for Brazilian Sports Bettors
In some instances, newcomers receive free bets, meaning they are granted a predetermined amount with which to wager for free. Such offers always come with wagering requirements and minimum-odds conditions, but these vary greatly between Brazil-friendly betting sites.
The free bet also has an expiration time and is removed from inactive accounts after a given period, so be sure to use yours before it is forfeited by the bookmaker. In many cases, free bets are not cashable, which means bettors can use them solely for the purpose of free wagering and withdraw only the winnings they accrue with the bonus.
Brazilians who have already opened accounts with an online sportsbook are not left empty-handed, either. Online bookmakers run various ongoing promotions that existing customers can take advantage of. Free bets are often available to returning customers when a major championship is underway.
Cashbacks and accumulator insurance are also common offers. The bettor is compensated with a free bet when their accumulator loses because one of the selections fails. Sometimes the bettor receives the compensation as a predetermined percentage of their overall losing wager.
Customer Support at Brazil Sports Betting Sites
The more contact methods there are in the sportsbook, the better. Good sportsbooks normally offer live chat facilities that are staffed at all times to ensure customers are always assisted with their issues or queries.
That being said, it would be best to sign up with an operator that provides customer support in the Portuguese language, especially if you are not fluent enough in English. Other common avenues of contact Brazilian bettors can resort to include email and telephone. However, not all betting operators offer toll-free support lines for international customers, so keep that in mind.