Brazil is taking bold steps to reshape its online gambling landscape, drawing both inspiration and caution from international models as it crafts a regulatory environment that aims to balance economic opportunity, player protection, and social responsibility. The past year has seen a flurry of legislative, technological, and policy initiatives designed to bring the country’s burgeoning betting market under tighter control, while also addressing the social challenges that come with rapid expansion in the sector.
On December 12, 2025, a landmark moment arrived as Brazil officially launched its national gambling self-exclusion system. This new portal, developed by the Federal Data Processing Service (Serpro), allows individuals to block their access to all regulated online sports betting and igaming operators across the country. Unlike previous options, which required players to self-exclude with each operator individually, this federal system offers a blanket exclusion—an important move for those seeking comprehensive protection from gambling-related harm.
The self-exclusion system is a key component of the Regulatory Agenda set out by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), part of Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. It was designed not only to bolster the regulations that came into force in January 2025 but also to address growing concerns about addiction and the integrity of sports. Players can now choose to self-exclude for periods ranging from one to twelve months, or even indefinitely. When registering, they are asked to provide reasons for their self-exclusion, and they gain access to information about gambling, mental health self-tests, and direct links to the Ministry of Health.
Giovanni Rocco Neto, Brazil’s national secretary for sports betting and economic development of sport, emphasized the broader goals behind the initiative. “This measure strengthens citizen protection, contributes to preserving the integrity of sports and supports actions for prevention and care for mental health,” he said, as reported by InterGame Online. Neto further noted the importance of collaboration: “The Ministry of Sport will continue to work in close co-operation with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and other federal government agencies to improve monitoring instruments, transparency, and accountability in the sector.”
Serpro’s director of economic and tax affairs, Ariadne Fonseca, highlighted the technical and ethical priorities embedded in the system’s design. “The platform is a milestone in protecting bettors and consolidating a regulated betting market in Brazil. Serpro's technology ensures that the citizen's decision is respected with security, transparency and full compliance with data protection regulations,” Fonseca stated.
While Brazil’s self-exclusion system marks a significant leap forward in player protection, the country’s regulatory overhaul does not stop there. On the same day as the self-exclusion launch, Brazil’s Senate approved a revised bill aimed at tackling organized crime, with a particular focus on the online betting sector. The legislation—often referred to as the “anti-faction bill”—introduces a new fiscal measure: a 15% levy, known as Cide, on transfers made by individuals to betting operators. This tax will remain in force until the full implementation of the Selective Tax under Brazil’s broader tax reform, with proceeds earmarked for the National Public Security Fund.
Lawmakers estimate that the new levy could generate around R$30 billion (approximately $6 billion) annually, providing much-needed resources for public security. The bill also includes a temporary regularization mechanism for unlicensed betting operators, which could bring in up to R$7 billion (around $1.4 billion) in additional revenue. At the same time, it seeks to tighten the net around illegal betting activity by extending liability to payment companies and financial institutions that process transactions for unlicensed platforms—a move designed to cut off the financial lifelines that allow illegal operators to thrive.
Alessandro Vieira, the bill’s rapporteur, explained the rationale behind these provisions: “An illegal betting platform only operates because someone sponsors its advertising and because some institution allows payments.” By targeting both advertising and payment processing, the legislation aims to disrupt the infrastructure that supports illicit gambling networks. The bill now returns to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration, but its passage in the Senate marks a significant advance in Brazil’s efforts to combat organized crime linked to online betting.
Brazil’s regulatory push comes at a time when the country is closely watching international experiences—most notably, the Netherlands. The Dutch model has become a touchstone for policymakers in Brazil, offering both inspiration and warnings about the complexities of regulating online gambling. The Netherlands, which regulated its online betting market in 2021, has, by 2025, implemented a suite of restrictive and protective measures under the oversight of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). These include a ban on unrestricted advertising, the prohibition of sports sponsorships by gaming operators, deposit limits, responsible gaming policies, mandatory exit plans for licensed companies, and heavy penalties for violations.
One of the most notable Dutch initiatives has been the creation of the National Alliance for Early Detection of Gambling Harm (SVSG), a €2 million program launched in 2025 to identify and support individuals at high risk of gambling addiction. According to estimates, around 209,000 people in the Netherlands are at high risk, yet most have never sought help. SVSG brings together addiction experts, health services, debt support, and municipal governments to provide early intervention and comprehensive care.
The Dutch regulatory model also emphasizes transparency, compliance, and operator accountability. New requirements for 2026 stipulate that license renewals or new operations must include a regulatory risk assessment, demonstrations of compliance, decommissioning plans, and robust governance strategies. The KSA’s “general fines policy,” in effect since January 1, 2025, imposes stiff sanctions for infractions ranging from irregular advertising to non-compliance with prevention standards.
However, these stringent measures have not been without consequence. In 2025, the Netherlands recorded a 16% drop in gross revenue from regulated online gambling, a decline attributed to advertising restrictions, deposit limits, and increased taxes. Regulators have acknowledged that such strict rules may inadvertently drive some gamblers to the illegal market, highlighting the delicate balance required in crafting effective policy. The KSA also admitted that its earlier risk assessment system was inconsistent and ineffective, prompting a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory model.
For Brazil, the Dutch experience offers critical lessons—but also underscores the need for local adaptation. While the Netherlands benefits from a centralized regulatory system and a tradition of effective oversight, Brazil must contend with a larger, more diverse market and complex federal structures. Excessively restrictive rules or high taxes could risk empowering the illegal market, undermining the very protections regulators seek to establish.
Still, the core principles emerging from both countries—market openness balanced with rigorous oversight, player protection, and social responsibility—point the way forward. Brazil’s recent reforms, from the launch of its self-exclusion system to the Senate’s approval of new fiscal and enforcement measures, signal a commitment to building a legal, sustainable, and responsible gambling market. The journey is far from over, but the foundations for a safer and more transparent betting environment are now firmly in place.