Brazil's Betting Ban: Risks and Consequences for the Market, an IBIA Analysis

Brazil’s betting ban to drive the market underground 

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) has conducted an evidence based study of what Brazil stands to lose if the ban on fixed-odds betting and online gaming is implemented. Drawing on regulatory assessments, market estimates and suspicious betting data, IBIA CEO Khalid Ali examines the consequences for sports integrity, consumers and the regulated market.

On 25 September, Brazil imposed a nationwide ban on fixed-odds betting, including sports betting and online gaming, just 21 months after opening  its regulated betting market. The measure is now being implemeted, while Congress considers whether it should become permanent.

Brazil’s regulatory regime, and related licences and ordinances designed to protect consumers, monitor betting activity and safeguard the integrity of sport, have been in operation for less than two years. Prohibition now threatens to undo that progress, driving betting activity beyond regulatory oversight and weakening the mechanisms designed to detect and prevent match-fixing.

IBIA Asks the Congress to Reconsider the Measure

This is why we call on Congress to reconsider Provisional Measure No. 1,394/2026 through an evidence-based assessment of its risks and impacts, supported by open dialogue with the industry. Cooperation between public authorities, sports bodies and independent integrity monitors must be maintained, while enforcement efforts should focus on blocking unlicensed offshore operators to protect consumers, taxable revenues and the market’s integrity.

What Brazil built and what prohibition puts at risk

In less than two years, Brazil authorised more than 80 operators, introduced customer identification requirements, targeted illegal betting sites and payment channels, and established a centralised self-exclusion system. Crucially for sport, licensed operators were required to monitor suspicious betting, report concerns and integrate with national or international sports integrity monitoring organisations.

Read the whole report here.