Brazil Regulator OK’s 21 Additional Operators for Full Licenses
Brazil’s gambling regulator, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), granted 21 more online betting licenses on Feb. 11, increasing the total number of fully licensed operators to 35.
Only 14 Brazilian betting companies secured full licenses from the SPA before the legal market launch on Jan. 1, while 52 others received provisional licenses as they awaited final approvals and technical certifications.
With the latest round of approvals published in the Official Gazette of the Union, the number of fully licensed operators has risen to 35. These licenses collectively cover 173 brands authorized to operate in the market.
The newly awarded full licenses include major players, with international giants like Kaizen Gaming-owned Betano and Bet365 making the list, alongside local brands such as Aposta Ganha and Betsul.
Colombia’s New Gambling VAT Sparks Confusion
After Colombia introduced an emergency 19 percent value-added tax (VAT) on gambling in January, local lawyer Juan Camilo Carrasco told iGB the industry needs clarity.
Thanks to an exceptional measure in Article 213 of Colombia’s Political Constitution, the government has implemented the 19 percent VAT on a temporary basis, lasting for an initial 90 days.
However, this can be extended for an additional 180 days, and Carrasco warned: “We know that regarding taxes nothing is more permanent than something that comes in temporarily.”
It’s also unclear where the VAT will be taken from players deposits or turnover, with Carrasco telling iGB: “With what is written in the law, [the tax] should be on deposits, because there are a lot of provisions and regulations that [suggest] that VAT on gambling should be over deposits.”
Brazil’s SPA Seeks Industry Input on Regulations for 2025-2026 Agenda
Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has initiated a public consultation, inviting industry feedback on enhancing online gambling regulations.
On Feb. 10, the SPA hosted a press conference at its Brasília headquarters to outline the timeline for its 2025-2026 biennium. During the event, the regulator invited industry stakeholders to provide feedback on the current regulatory framework and suggest potential improvements.
The SPA will publish its 2025-2026 regulatory agenda on April 4, utilizing feedback from the sector to adapt its current proposed agenda.
SPA chief Regis Dudena feels the body’s work is cyclical and in constant need of improvement, saying: “We have created a framework of main rules which is quite complete and essential for the start of the regulated fixed-odds betting market, but regulation is a cycle; there are always points to be reviewed and improved.”
Potential 45-Day Extension Proposed for Match-Fixing CPI
The Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on match-fixing in Brazil could be extended for another 45 days after a request from its President Jorge Kajuru.
A meeting Feb. 11 for the CPI’s rapporteur Romário to present his final report was canceled due to there not being the minimum numbers of senators available to attend the meeting.
With the CPI only currently authorized to operate until Feb. 15, Kajuru has presented a request to the General Secretariat of the Senate Board for a 45-day extension.
Betano Renews Sponsorship Agreement with F1 Legend Massa
Betano has announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with former Formula One driver Felipe Massa.
Betano’s renewed deal with the Brazilian Massa will extend a relationship which first began in 2023.
To celebrate the renewal, Massa visited Betano’s new office in São Paulo, saying: “It is a pleasure to continue this collaboration and I’m looking forward to achieving more together in the coming years.”
Guilherme Figueiredo, Betano’s Country Manager in Brazil, added: “Felipe Massa is more than an ambassador for Betano; he is a symbol of trust that shares similar values with us and has a story that inspires.”
