How can Brazil balance global standards with local market needs?
During BiS SiGMA South America 2026 in Sao Paulo, hosted at the Transamerica Expo Center, industry leaders gathered on the Itaim Stage for the panel Global Outlook, but the Solution is Brazilian. As the country’s regulated betting market gains momentum, the discussion shifted toward refining and reinforcing the ecosystem through localised strategies informed by global expertise.
The panel featured Ana Bárbara Teixeira, Director of Government Relations and Founder at ABRAJOGO and AMIG, H.E. Lucimara Batista dos Reis, Consul and Chief Compliance Officer and AML at the Honorary Consulate of Brazil in Malta and Robert Zammit, Partner at WH Partners.
The panelists explored the next phase of Brazil’s betting market evolution, focusing on potential tax adjustments, the adaptation of responsible gaming frameworks, and the implementation of more effective strategies to combat the illegal market. Drawing on both local insight and international experience, the panel examined how Brazil can build a robust, sustainable and uniquely tailored regulatory environment.
A market in transition
Brazil’s journey into a regulated betting landscape is still in its early stages, however the scale and speed of its development make it unlike any other market. As Lucimara Batista dos Reis explained, “Brazil is living a time of transition… gaming has always existed in Brazil, and today it’s moving to this regulated side.”
Rather than starting from scratch, Brazil is formalising an already active ecosystem, one that now requires structure, oversight, and balance. However, unlike more mature jurisdictions, the country does not have the luxury of gradual experimentation. “We don’t have much time to do the right thing,” she noted, highlighting the urgency of implementing effective policies from the outset.
At the core of this transition is a shift in perception. Regulators are not only tasked with enforcing rules but also with reframing gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment. “The responsible game is not punitive, it’s educational,” Batista dos Reis emphasised, pointing to the need for player protection measures that inform rather than restrict.
Learning from global frameworks
International experience played a central role in the discussion, particularly when it comes to regulatory structure and market sustainability. Robert Zammit highlighted how established jurisdictions have evolved over decades, noting that “the gaming industry around the world has developed very much, especially in European countries.”
For Brazil, the challenge lies in adopting these lessons without overcomplicating the system. Clarity and consistency, Zammit argued, are essential, “It’s very important that there is clarity and transparency… changing requirements is expensive.” Frequent regulatory shifts risk discouraging operators and slowing market growth.
At the same time, panelists stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary reinvention. “Let’s not reinvent the wheel,” Zammit said. “We already have systems in place, let’s use what works.” This balance between innovation and adaptation is critical as Brazil defines its regulatory identity.
The balance between control and growth
A recurring theme throughout the panel was proportionality. Effective regulation must strike a careful balance, protecting players and preventing crime without stifling the industry or driving users դեպի the black market.
Batista dos Reis warned against overly restrictive measures, explaining that “the extreme prohibition… will only push the market to illegality, because the player wants to play.” Instead, regulators must create an environment where legal participation is both safe and appealing.
Brazil’s existing infrastructure offers unique advantages in this regard. Systems like CPF identification and instant payment methods such as PIX provide powerful tools for monitoring and compliance. These mechanisms, combined with facial recognition and closed-loop payment systems, position Brazil ahead of many global counterparts in terms of traceability and control.
However, these strengths must be applied thoughtfully. “Regulation has to be proportional,” Batista dos Reis reiterated, noting that controls should match the scale and risk of transactions rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Collaboration as the path forward
At the end of the day, the success of Brazil’s betting market will depend on collaboration between regulators, operators, and other stakeholders. Education, transparency, and open dialogue are key to building trust and ensuring long-term stability.
Zammit underscored this point, stating that “understanding where both [regulator and operator] are coming from is crucial.” By aligning goals and sharing expertise, the industry can create a framework that supports innovation while maintaining integrity.
As the discussion concluded, one message stood out, balance is not just a goal but a continuous process. Brazil’s regulatory journey will require constant adjustment, learning, and cooperation, but it also presents a rare opportunity to build a model that reflects both global best practices and local realities.
Building a stronger market
As Brazil’s regulated betting market enters its next stage, the emphasis is clearly on fine-tuning the system to ensure long-term stability and integrity. The perspectives shared during this panel highlight the importance of aligning global best practices with local realities, creating a framework that not only supports growth but also protects players and the wider ecosystem.
Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage, expert insights, and key moments from BiS SiGMA South America 2026 as we continue to bring you the latest developments from the event.
