Brazil Betting Sites

Written by Glenn Roberts

Glenn Roberts

Glenn is a sports lover and writes about Soccer and American Football. He also covers reviews of bookmakers, betting apps and deposit or withdrawal methods that players can use at online sportsbooks.

, | Updated: December 9, 2024

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 in regard to sports betting legalities in the country comes somewhat as a surprise. The world’s 5th largest country in terms of population (211 million as of 2018) is often referred to as the “sleeping giant” due to the immense unrealized potential it carries when it comes to gambling regulations. The country is the 8th biggest economy in the world, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.05 trillion as of 2017, with a projected economic growth of 2.5% by 2019.

It makes sense a country whose population is so passionate about sports, and soccer, in particular, would have enforced 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 will finally bring regulated live and online sports betting to Brazil.

Brazilian Sports Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating

Comparison of Sports Betting Sites in Brazil

Top 15 Betting Sites for Brazil

1. bet365

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   UKGC (#055148-R-331498-001) MGA (#MGA/CRP/531/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#076) +10 jurisdictions (including US states)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   * E-wallets - 1-4 hours* Debit Card - 1-4 hours* Credit Cards - 1-5 days* Wire Transfer - up to 12 hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   UEFA Champions League

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support.eng@customerservices365.com Phone: 00 800 1236 5365
   

   

   • Broad experience in the online gaming scene
   • Several bonuses and promotions
   • Responsive customer support
   • Apps for iOS and Android users
   • Advantageous odds
   • Great market coverage

   Most punters around the world know that bet365 is a brand they can trust whenever they feel like embarking on a sports betting adventure online. Brazilian fans of sports and sports wagering will also have the chance to join bet365 and revel in a fruitful, fun, and safe betting experience online.

   In addition to offering competitive odds on various sports, bet365 also gives its members the opportunity to make in-play bets. This type of wagering is greatly appreciated by many sports betting fans as they can place their stakes at the same time as their favorite games are being played. Brazilian bettors might also appreciate the fact that bet365 offers a dedicated mobile app, which will allow them to place bets on major events while they are on the move.

2. 22Bet

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)

   Min Deposit

   $/€1

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • Cryptocurrencies - 15 minutes• E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Credit & debit cards - up to 7 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support-en@22bet.com Phone: +357 99 816806
   

   

   • Coverage of over 1,000 sporting events each day
   • Over 100 payment methods
   • Minimum deposits of $1 only
   • A broad range of limited-time and recurring sportsbook promos
   • Native iOS and Android apps
   • Dedicated customer support in several languages

   Every type of betting enthusiast in Brazil can enjoy a great time as a member of 22Bet. This gambling brand knows how to make anyone’s experience worth a while, with the sportsbook section on the website offering odds on top internationally popular sports. Whether football, basketball, tennis, or any other sport is your preferred betting category, at 22bet, you will be able to explore major leagues and choose from different betting markets.

   The 22bet app will also be available to Brazilian punters, allowing them to enjoy smooth, fast, and safe bets on the go. To make the whole experience even more rewarding and exciting, the sportsbook offers bountiful promotions that many would appreciate.

3. 20Bet

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) Kahnawake Gaming Commission (#00882)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • E-wallets - 12 hours• Cryptos - 24 hours•Credit/debit cards - 7 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   N/A

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A
   

   

   • Great coverage of top sporting events
   • A generous Welcome Offer
   • Supports different secure and easy-to-use payment methods
   • All punters automatically join the VIP program of 20Bet
   • Android and iOS users can bet on fully-optimized mobile version of 20Bet
   • 24/7 live chat customer support

   It is inevitable to enjoy your time at 20bet as the betting brand knows what every punter needs. With great odds on the latest and most popular sporting events, 20bet is one of the best destinations for Brazilian online bettors. Those who have favorite sports will be able to choose from an extensive selection of leagues and betting markets.

   Members of the bookie will be able to make both pre-match and in-play bets, allowing bettors to easily build their stakes. The sportsbook is offering various promotions to help punters enjoy the best value for their sports wagers. The best part is that the entire 20bet experience can also be accessed via any mobile device, allowing easy betting on the go.

4. Betano

   

   Licenses

   UK 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

   $10

   Min Withdrawal

   $10

   Withdrawal Time

   Cards: 3 to 5 daysE-Wallets: 24 hoursApple Pay: 1 to 3 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   FC 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 more

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: YesEmail: help@betano.co.ukPhone: +44 7360 539790
   

   

   • Offers competitive odds on popular sports
   • Live betting available on major events
   • Bookie offers SuperOdds on certain events
   • Bettors can utilize a variety of payment options
   • Generous promotions available to sportsbook members

   Brazilian betting fans will be able to easily place their wagers on any sporting event if they join Betano. This is a brand that has been dominating the sports betting scene in quite a few markets, with Brazil being one of them. The sportsbook of Betano offers high-value bets on quite a few popular sports like football, tennis, basketball, and many more.

   Not only will members of the bookie be able to explore odds on events from major leagues, but they will also have different betting markets to choose from. One way to make your betting experience more intriguing is to place a few in-play bets on events played in real-time.

5. Betway

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   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)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • E-wallets - up to 24 hours• Debit cards and bank transfers - 2 business days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Arsenal FC, West Ham United FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Atletico Madrid FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes Email: support@betway.com Phone: varies according to country
   

   

   • Over 10 years of experience
   • High betting limits
   • Prompt and 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 that Brazilian bettors can trust when they wish to place money on major sporting events and enjoy the best value for their stakes. If you head to the sportsbook section of Betway, you will be able to choose from a myriad of sports, both internationally popular and some less common categories.

   As a member of the bookie, you will be able to place various types of bets as Betway offers different betting markets. What is more, in addition to pre-match bets, members of the sportsbook will also have the chance to make in-play bets and enjoy a thrilling experience while betting on various sports.

6. Betsson

   

   Review

   Licenses

   Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)

   Min Deposit

   €10

   Min Withdrawal

   €20

   Withdrawal Time

   Bank Transfer: 2 to7 daysCards: 2 to 5 daysE-Wallets: Up to 24hours

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Atletico NacionalInter MilanOFI CretePremier Padel

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300
   

   

   • Numerous betting markets
   • In-Play betting
   • Accepts various hassle-free and safe payment methods
   • Properly regulated virtual sportsbook
   • Great Customer Support
   • Live streaming of big events

   Betsson is a great place for Brazilian fans of sports and betting, with the brand offering a top-notch experience to its members. No matter the sport they enjoy, bettors will be provided with odds on some of the biggest sporting events in the world, covering some of the most popular leagues of every sport.

   To make one’s betting experience more exciting, the brand is offering different betting markets like totals, match winner, handicaps, futures, and more. Another fun betting feature that Betsson is supporting is live betting. That way bettors can place stakes as their favorite games are being played live. The sportsbook will also allow early cash out on quite a few events, enabling punters to enjoy a portion of their win before the bet is fully settled.

7. Pinnacle

   

   Bet Now

   Licenses

   AGCO (OPIG1236075) CGCB (OGL/2023/105/0084) MGA (B2C/290/2015) Spelinspektionen (SGA)

   Min Deposit

   • Bitcoin - $6/€5• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20

   Min Withdrawal

   • Bitcoin - $12/€10• E-Wallets - $/€10• Cards - $/€20

   Withdrawal Time

   • Bank Transfer - up to 10 business days• E-Wallets - 24 hours• Cards - 1 to 5 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Malta Vibes UltimateKnockout CS:GOTournament (2021)

   Contact Details

   Live chat: Yes Phone: N/A Email: customerservice@pinnacle.com
   

   

   • Bookmaker with over 20 years of experience
   • Covers a range of popular sports
   • Offers competitive odds on the latest events
   • Live betting available for various events
   • Fully-optimized mobile version
   • Fast and secure payments

   Sports fans from Brazil can bring an extra thrill to their favorite games by placing money on their predictions about the games. At Pinnacle, they will be able to view the best odds on some of the current most popular leagues and events. The brand is carefully catering to the needs of every type of bettor, offering bets on various sports and providing different betting markets to choose from.

   Members of Pinnacle will be able to enjoy a smooth and safe betting experience at any time, with the brand utilizing industry-standard tools and measures to protect its patrons and their funds. When it comes to handling one’s bankroll, the bookie accepts a variety of payment methods that ensure hassle-free and safe transactions.

8. 888sport

   

   Bet Now Review

   Licenses

   UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)

   Min Deposit

   $/€10

   Min Withdrawal

   $/€10

   Withdrawal Time

   • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer - 2-3 days• Visa and ApplePay - up to 6 days• Wire transfer - 5-8 days

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   National Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FC

   Contact Details

   Live Chat: Yes email: support@888sport.com Phone: N/A
   

   

   • In-Play betting
   • Long history in the gambling industry
   • Dozens of payment solutions supported
   • Wide range of sports
   • Good mobile support
   • Dedicated mobile app

   Whether you are an experienced bettor or you are just dipping your toes into sports betting, 888sport is the right place for you. This betting website is ready to meet the needs of every type of punter, offering competitive odds on a wide range of sporting events. There is never a dull moment while betting with 888sport as the bookmaker is offering various betting markets that can appeal to different bettors.

   To show its patrons a very rewarding and thrilling experience, 888sport is also offering a variety of incentives, helping bettors to add more value to their stakes. If you are in the mood of making bets but you are not sure what to bet on, you can check the 888 Specials category and view the odds featured by 888sport.

9. Melbet

   

   Bet Now

   Licenses

   Curacao (#8048/JAZ2020-060)

   Min Deposit

   • Jeton, MoneyGO, Discover, Paysera - $/€1 • directDebit, directDebit+, Interac - CA$25

   Min Withdrawal

   • Jeton, Payeer, Beeline, Tele2, Kcell, Active, Pyypl - $/€1.50

   Withdrawal Time

   15 minutes

   Deposit Methods

   

   Sponsorships

   Zavkhan BrothersStalwart EsportsSpanish LaLigaTrinbago Knight RidersATOX ESPORTS MNJuventus' regional partner in Africa and the Middle East

   Contact Details

   Live chat: Yes Phone: +442038077601 Email: info-en@melbet.com
   

   

   • Covers both local and international leagues and tournaments
   • Offers great odds on various sports
   • Extensive selection of eSports options
   • Generous sportsbook promotions
   • Support numerous safe and easy-to-use payment methods
   • Mobile version of the sportsbook available to Android and iOS users

   Melbet is a sportsbook that will ensure a smooth betting experience for Brazilian fans of sports wagering online. The website has a sportsbook lobby catering to different bettors, with categories covering a wide range of sports, races, and even entertainment events. Every section of the sportsbook will offer punters various betting markets, all of which can offer quite fruitful results.

   In addition to pre-match bets, Melbet also offers live betting, which will be available on some of the biggest international and local sporting events. Building one’s bets is a hassle-free task and the best part about the experience at Melbet is that it is also available on the go thanks to a dedicated mobile app.

10. Megapari

    

    Bet Now

    Licenses

    Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Comoros (ALSI-112310012-F15)

    Min Deposit

    From $/€1 (varies based on method)

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€10 for cards$/€5 for AstroPay

    Withdrawal Time

    15 minutes

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    N/A

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: YesTelephone: +44 113 340 6785 +357 8009 2576Email: support@megapari.com agentsmegapari@megapari.com
    

    

    • Optimized to run on different mobile devices
    • Bet Constructor allows easy bet building
    • Great sports coverage
    • Bountiful promotions for new and existing members
    • Easy and fast payments
    • Supports various payment methods

    Megapari is a gambling brand that can cater to the needs of different people. Thanks to its sportsbook section, the website allows Brazilian bettors to easily place bets on some of the biggest local and international sporting events. The bookie has made sure that it has covered some of the biggest leagues in every sport, with punters having the chance to choose from different betting markets.

    One specific feature of Megapari’s sportsbook that many bettors might appreciate is the one offering live betting. That section provides punters with the chance to place bets on various popular events as they are happening in real-time.

11. LVbet

    

    Bet Now

    Licenses

    MGA (#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

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€20

    Withdrawal Time

    • Debit cards - up to 3 business days • E-wallets - up to 24 hours • Bank transfers - 3-5 business days

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    Hamrun Handball Club, WKS Śląsk Wrocław, Piast Gliwice FC

    Contact Details

    Live 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 on numerous sports
    • Generous promotions await members of the bookie
    • Betslip allows easy single, combi, and system bets
    • Supports an array of payment methods

    Brazilian punters can enjoy a superb betting experience if they join LVBet. This is a brand that provides a vast variety of sports betting options, helping fans of different sports to discover the latest odds on their favorite events. With a range of betting markets available on various sports, bettors have the chance to revel in a thrilling sports betting experience in the comfort of their homes.

    If you join LVBet, you will see all of the current hottest bets in the Recommended section of the sportsbook. However, if you have a particular event in mind, you can also check the list of available sports and look for the odds on your favorite games. If you want to make your betting time even more exciting, you can also check the live betting section, offering in-play bets on various events.

12. Royal Panda

    

    Bet Now Review

    Licenses

    Min Deposit

    Min Withdrawal

    Withdrawal Time

    Deposit Methods

    Sponsorships

    N/A

    Contact Details

    
    

    • A trustworthy betting site
    • Different betting markets covering popular sports
    • Live Calendar which shows the upcoming events
    • Punters can utilize commonly used and convenient payment solutions
    • Easy to contact Customer Support
    • Various bountiful promotions for punters

    If you are a fan of football, tennis, basketball, or volleyball, you can check the popular section of Royal Panda. The betting brand offers odds on numerous popular sports as well as plenty of less common categories that many may appreciate. The betting markets offered by Royal Panda will allow punters to make exciting bets and expect quite the return for their successful bets.

    Building your bets is extremely easy thanks to the betslip tool of the sportsbook. Not only will the betting experience at Royal Panda be smooth and enjoyable, but you will also be able to take it with you, no matter where you go. As the bookie has a mobile-compatible version, you can simply grab your smartphone and place your bets with just a few taps on the screen.

13. Betsafe

    

    Review

    Licenses

    MGA (MGA/CRP/108/2004) Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners (#1011286) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si2178)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€10

    Withdrawal Time

    * Bank cards - up to 5 business days* E-wallets - up to 24 hours* Bank Transfer - up to 5 business days

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    N/A

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes Email: support-en@betsafe.com Phone: +44 808 238 0028
    

    

    • Trusted and legitimate website
    • Wide range of payment services and currencies
    • Great customer support 24/7
    • Dozens of betting markets
    • Licensed by the MGA and UKGC
    • Great live betting selection

    Betsafe is offering individuals who enjoy sports betting the chance to explore numerous betting options and pick the odds that give them the best value for their stakes. Finding your favorite leagues and events is a piece of cake, with Betsafe covering all major sports, as well as some less common categories.

    In addition to different betting markets, Betsafe also offers in-play betting. This option is available on different sports, enabling live bets while big events are being played in real-time. Bettors can also add extra fun to their experience by redeeming some of the promotions of the bookmaker, improving their chances for bigger wins.

14. 1xBet

    

    Licenses

    Curacao (1668/JAZ) Irish Revenue Commissioners (#1019276)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    €20 - Trustly€10 - Jeton, Skrill€5 - Skrill€1.50 - Other methods

    Withdrawal Time

    * Bank cards - Instant/up to 7 days* E-wallets - 15 min - 24 hours* Bank Transfers - Up to 5 days* Crypto - 15 minutes

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, LaLiga, Serie A TIM, CAF, ESL, MIBR, Beastcoast, Aurora, LOSC Lille, IHC

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes Email: support@1xbet-team.com Phone: +44 127 325-69-87
    

    

    • Great sports coverage
    • Offers odds on both local and international leagues
    • Live betting with option to stream certain events
    • Mobile applications for various mobile devices
    • Accepts various payment methods
    • Convenient contact options

    Brazilian sports fans who enjoy dabbling in online betting can head to 1xbet and check the odds the bookie is offering. The web-based sportsbook is great for novice bettors as well as experienced punters. With great odds and huge sports coverage, 1xbet can offer multiple suitable options for different betting enthusiasts. Do not hesitate to check the sports categories and see the odds on some of the biggest sporting events.

    Members of 1xbet will be able to make pre-match bets as well as in-play wagers on a wide range of events. The best part about the live betting experience at this bookie is that it will also allow punters to stream some of the events that offer in-play betting.

15. LeoVegas Sport

    

    Bet Now

    Licenses

    MGA (#MGA/CRP/237/2013) Ireland Revenue Commissioners (#1012453) Swedish Gambling Authority (#23Si808) UKGC (#39198)

    Min Deposit

    $/€10

    Min Withdrawal

    $/€20

    Withdrawal Time

    • Credit/Debit Cards - 3-5 days • E-wallets - Up to 24 hours • Bank Transfer - 2-5 days

    Deposit Methods

    

    Sponsorships

    N/A

    Contact Details

    Live Chat: Yes Email: help@leovegas.com Phone: N/A
    

    

    • Covers various popular sports
    • Offers competitive odds
    • Punters can redeem generous promotions
    • Fast and safe payments
    • Dedicated Android and iOS app
    • Live betting on major sporting events

    LeoVegas is a sportsbook brand that caters to the needs of various punters, making their betting experience fun, safe, and rewarding. Brazilian bettors are also among the lucky guys who can join LeoVegas and place wagers on some of the biggest sporting events in the world.

    The sportsbook lobby of the gambling brand covers some of the biggest local and international leagues, with betting markets allowing punters to make different types of bets. Members of the bookmaker will be able to make use of LeoBoost, which offers enhanced odds on certain sporting events. All of these features contribute to a superb overall sports betting experience at LeoVegas.

Despite the long absence of a regulated sports betting market, Brazilians have always been enthusiastic about betting on the outcomes of sporting events. There are no legal landbased or online sportsbooks in Brazil but the illegal sports betting market is thriving. Soccer remains a favorite to Brazilian punters but bets 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 something new to Brazilian punters. Many sports fans have taken their bets online where they face a wider variety of pre-match and in-play markets, available at very competitive odds. Many licensed offshore betting sites are happy to accept bets from punters in the country, catering to their needs with an extensive coverage of sporting competitions and leagues.

Legality and Regulation of Sports Betting in Brazil

Casino gambling and sports betting has been prohibited on Brazilian soil for more than half a century but this hardly prevented the country’s residents from making sports punts on the internet. Online sports betting is prevalent despite the efforts of the Brazilian legislators to prevent it.

The government first attempted to uproot illegal online gambling back in 2006 but failed. New attempts were made in 2008 and 2010 but 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 that aimed to block Brazilian punters from accessing foreign betting sites but this idea also failed to come to fruition. The Senate attempted to pass a piece of legislation that introduced regulations on online sports betting but then-President Dilma Rousseff turned it down in 2015.

Until recently, horse race wagering was the only legal form of sports betting in Brazil but only when conducted on authorized landbased racecourses. Wagering outside a racecourse is still considered an illegal gambling activity and as such, is subject to penalties.

Fantasy sports are exempt from the online betting ban since they fall into the category of games of skill because the results are not based solely on luck – the outcomes are often influenced by the strategies players incorporate. 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 legislation reform that took place in 2015 enforced penalties for those caught taking part in online or landbased 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

Brazil outlawed gambling as early as 1941 under the provisions of the Criminal Contravention Act. This piece of legislation banned several types of gambling, namely games of chance whose outcome is based solely on luck, wagering on horse races outside authorized racecourses, and sports betting.

Under the provisions of the bill, those who conduct unlawful sports betting are penalized. Anyone who conducts such betting operations 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, punters 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 contribute with a tax rate of 0.5%. Bets between R$3,501 and R$4,000 are taxed at a rate of 1% while wagers exceeding R$4,001 are burdened with a 1.5% tax rate.

Until recently, Brazilian laws did not contain any provisions pertaining to the distribution and participation in 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 punters who continue to actively wager on sports betting sites located and licensed in other jurisdictions.

The most recent developments in the country took a turn for the better. In November 2018, Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies gave the thumbs up to a new piece of legislation that is to allow Brazilian punters 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 come up with regulatory frameworks that govern live and online sports betting with fixed-odds 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 of President Temer to establish a state monopoly on sports betting suggests the opposite. We will have to wait and see as presently there are not many details on the new bill’s content.

What we presently know is that landbased betting facilities must return to Brazilian punters 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 landbased and online sports betting operators, respectively. Under another provision, landbased 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 punters will have no other option 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

Sports fans from Brazil have a choice from hundreds of overseas online sportsbooks that are happy to accept their punts despite the absence of clear-cut gambling regulations at the moment. Offshore betting operators cater to Brazilians’ needs by offering an enormous variety of markets on events from the European and South American soccer leagues.

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 punters can try handicaps but exotic wagers like 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 live-stream 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 demands for horse race betting are met by offshore sportsbooks that tend to provide a 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 to make better-informed decisions with your bets.

But the sports betting enthusiasm of punters from Brazil extends way 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 a good 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 Euro League, the Argentinian LNB, the ATP, the WTA, the Grand Slam, and the IFT, 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 punt and manage their accounts.

Popular Odds Format in Brazil

Punters from Brazil are accustomed to both the fractional and decimal expressions of odds, but the former is commonly preferred for bets made on horse racing. The fractional odds format is not that difficult to understand. The numerator of the fraction shows you the returns of a winning bet, whereas the denominator reflects the wager you must make to collect that profit. Therefore, if you place a bet at odds of 11/2, this means you must wager R$2 to win R$11. If the odds are in reverse, i.e. the numerator is smaller than the denominator, this means you must invest more money than the potential returns you can expect.

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 profits from a winning bet, you must divide your original wager by the denominator and multiply it by the fraction’s numerator. Then you add the original stake to the result and are done. For instance, R$10 staked at odds of 11/2 will yield a profit of R$65 because [{R$10/2}* 11] +R$10 = R$65.

Brazilian punters 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 the better odds are, 7/2 or 9/5, you will have to think for a while before you figure it out. It is much easier to answer the question if the odds were expressed like 4.50 and 2.80, right?

Calculating your potential returns with winnings 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 the 4.50 odds (7/2 in the fractional format), you can expect a return of R$45 for a winning bet 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 will yield returns that are smaller than your original wager. Note that bookies never offer you bets at prices smaller than 1.00 because such wagers do not return any profits 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

It makes sense that a punter from Brazil would prefer to initiate payments with locally available banking solutions. The good news is that some of the largest betting sites to welcome action from the country work with methods like Boleto Bancario which is exclusive to Brazil. To use it, a punter must hold an account with a supported Brazilian bank.

Another locally available option is AstroPay which is a virtual prepaid card, supported across Latin America and certain parts of Asia like India, China, and Thailand. Brazil’s government has made attempts to prohibit local banks from conducting 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 punters were 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 decline 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

Brazil-friendly sportsbooks are in the habit of enticing customers with a variety of great promotional incentives that add extra value to the bets they place. Brazilian punters can start their betting experience by claiming a welcome bonus, which may come in the form of a deposit match on their first payment.

In some instances, newcomers are treated to free bets, which is to say they are granted a predetermined amount to wager for free with. Such offers always come with wagering requirements and minimum odds conditions but these vary vastly between Brazil-friendly betting sites.

The free bet also has 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, the free bets are not cashable which is to say punters can use them solely for the purpose of free wagering and withdraw only the winnings they have accrued with the bonus.

Brazilians who already have opened accounts with an online sportsbook are not left with empty hands, either. Online bookmakers run various ongoing promotions existing customers can take advantage of. Free bets are often available to returning customers when a major championship is underway.

Cashbacks and accumulator insurances are also a common option. The punter is compensated with a free bet when their accumulator loses because one of the selections fails. Sometimes the punter receives the compensation as a predetermined percentage of their overall losing wager.

Customer Support at Brazil Sports Betting Sites

One way to tell a good Brazil-friendly sportsbook from a bad one is to judge by the quality of the support services customers are provided with. An esteemed betting operator would go out of its way to meet its customers’ needs and would service them at all times including over the weekends and during public holidays.

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 punters can resort include email and telephone. However, not all betting operators offer toll-free support lines for international customers so keep that in mind.