Brazil: National Association of Games and Lotteries says applications for gambling licenses exceeded expectations

The number of applications for licenses for bookmakers in Brazil has exceeded market forecasts, with a total of 113 procedures registered with the Ministry of Finance as of Tuesday, August 20.

According to the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), operators involved in the process are seeking authorization to operate legally in the country, taking advantage of the favorable timing.

If approved by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the authorized bookmakers will be able to operate legally in the country as of January 1, 2025. These companies will have to follow all the rules outlined in Law 14,790/2023, in addition to the ordinances issued by the SPA.

As of that date, any operation without federal authorization will be considered illegal and will be subject to the penalties provided for in the legislation.

ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge indicated that the sector expects an increase in the number of license applications after August 20, since applications can still be entered through the Gaming Management System (SIGAP), and there is an expectation that many applications will be submitted by the end of the year.

"We are confident that next year we will see a different market. An intact, responsible, and regulated market, where bettors can be sure that they are using serious and secure platforms," Jorge commented in a statement. 

The President of the entity, who is also a lawyer, pointed out that the decision of the Federal Regional Court (TRF-1) on August 12, which removed the blocking of hundreds of unlicensed sites in Rio de Janeiro, was decisive for several international operators to speed up their license applications.

"Foreign operators analyze the market as a whole, considering both opportunities and risks. With only eight days left before the SPA deadline this year, the court decision obtained by ANJL has brought relief to the sector, ensuring greater legal certainty. The blockade sought by Loterj was also affecting operations in other states," the ANJL President added.

Created in March 2023, the ANJL seeks to promote responsible and regulated gaming in the country, representing the interests of its members, among which are various operators in the sector.