Brazil’s Permanent Subcommittee on Sports Betting Regulation has stressed that greater focus must be placed on the massive revenue losses to the illicit black market.

In recent days, a public hearing in Congress detailed that the underground gambling sector is believed to generate around R$35 billion ($6.4 billion) per year. That is thought to equal around half of all online gambling activity in Brazil.

There was a consensus at the hearing that the primary challenge facing the South American nation was not the regulated gambling industry, but the proliferation of illegal platforms, and the absence of any controls or player protections.

As with all underground gambling networks, the government in Brazil does not receive any tax revenues from these operations.

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Participants at the hearing included the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gambling (IBJR), together with lawmakers, industry representatives, and other authority bodies.

Fernando Vieira, CEO of the IBJR, noted that the illegal market’s revenue rivals the legal market’s R$38 billion figure, causing the government to lose approximately R$10.8 billion ($2 billion) in tax revenue annually due to untaxed operations.

The discussion placed great emphasis on the fact that illegal platforms operate without any oversight, age controls, or user protections, which only increases the risks of underage gambling, fraud, and other illicit activity.

Last month, the IBJR presented new data showing that the Central West region uses illegal betting platforms more than anywhere else.

Since last year, authorities in Brazil are estimated to have blocked around 17,000 unauthorized websites, averaging over 1,700 per month.

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However, the Brazil Congress hearing was told that efforts must be increased to combat the illegal market, especially with the funds that are collected from the regulated sector.

Deputy Caio Vianna, President of the Subcommittee, who initiated the hearing, called for “financial suffocation” of illegal operators by targeting their payment methods, as shutting down websites alone is insufficient due to their ability to quickly relocate under another jurisdiction.

There was also significant opposition expressed toward the proposed measure, currently under review in the Brazil Congress, to increase the tax on gross gaming revenue from 12% to 18%, which the IBJR warns could weaken the legal market and create further momentum for the growth of illegal platforms.

IBJR chief Viera added, “This is a turning point. If Brazil shifts just 5 percentage points from the illegal to the regulated market, the additional revenue could reach R$1 billion per year.

“The solution is not to hastily increase taxes, but rather to invest in oversight, monitor financial transactions, certify suppliers, and raise consumer awareness. Only then will we reduce the scale of illegality and consolidate a strong and sustainable regulated sector.”

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Source: readwrite.com

In August, the Brazilian online gaming and sports betting sector will complete eight months of effective regulation. This new phase officially began on January 1, 2025, after a long period of debate and consultation between iGaming market representatives and government authorities.

According to Cactus Gaming founder Nickolas Tadeu Ribeiro de Campos, one of the main issues that has permeated this new era of online gambling is establishing resources and motivating the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming. “The commitment to Responsible Gaming must be ongoing. Here at Cactus, we invest in technological tools, protection policies, and strategic partnerships to ensure that entertainment is always aligned with the safety and well-being of players. We promote transparency, prevent risks, and support practices that strengthen the sector’s sustainability,” adds Nickolas.

It’s worth noting that the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), which regulates gaming and betting activities in Brazil, published Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1,231, dated July 31, 2024, which establishes guidelines and measures to ensure that gaming and betting operations promote the integrity and well-being of bettors. The ordinance provides guidelines on how to manage gambling to prevent harmful behavior.

Awarded Best Platform of the Year for three consecutive years by the BIS Awards and Sigma Awards and expanding internationally, Cactus is a Brazilian company recognized for its innovation and excellence in the iGaming sector, standing out for the development of robust, secure and scalable solutions for operators worldwide.

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All areas of the organization are committed to conscious practices and have leaders who believe this is one of the main pillars for a maturing market, as is the case in Brazil.

In this context, Nickolas Ribeiro emphasizes that consumers must be continually made aware, understanding that this activity needs to be done in a safe, healthy and recreational manner.

“The gaming ecosystem must be committed to raising awareness among its audience, promoting informative and preventive actions. We want gaming to be fun for everyone, while providing tools and support channels for those who need it. Therefore, educational initiatives are the best allies for building a robust, conscious, and transparent market in Brazil,” adds the founder of Cactus.

Welcome to Cactus’ new CFO

At the forefront of the industry, Cactus continues to grow and expand its structure with the acquisition of a new office and the hiring of market leaders. Last month, Thiago Garrides joined the team as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Garrides’ arrival represents a new cycle of financial expansion for the company, aligned with its strengthening in Brazil and growth in regulated international markets. The executive has over two decades of experience in corporate finance, risk management, and treasury. He has also led projects focused on operational efficiency, governance, and the structuring of financial services solutions.

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Cactus Gaming, along with its founder, Nickolas Ribeiro, understands the importance of employing highly qualified professionals to offer partners global standards of innovation, transparency, and security. Since its founding, the brand has established a broad portfolio of products and services geared toward the iGaming market, with the credibility of a company that adheres to international best practices. Garrides’ arrival reinforces this constant pursuit of excellence and responsibility.

“Thiago’s arrival represents a significant step forward in our executive structure. We are currently consolidating and expanding internationally, and having a CFO with his experience and strategic vision reinforces our commitment to solid, responsible management aligned with the challenges of the iGaming sector,” emphasizes Nickolas Ribeiro.

Internationally recognized and awarded brand

Cactus’ pioneering work has been recognized by major national and international industry awards. The company was named Best Platform of the Year for three consecutive years—in 2025, 2024, and 2023—and also won “Best White Label” at the SiGMA Awards and “Best Platform” at the BiS Awards.

With a presence at the main global events in the sector such as ICE, SiGMA Americas, SBC Summit, SiGMA Europe, IGB among others, and in full international expansion, Cactus Gaming reinforces its leadership by expanding its operations in Latin America, Europe and other markets.

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The Uruguayan Government has taken an important step toward legislating and taxing gambling activities. A new decree, decree number 167/025, gives life to a special tax on bets placed with electronic game machines and automatic betting systems installed within casinos and authorized entertainment spaces. It was signed into law by President Yamandú Orsi and Minister of Economy Gabriel Oddone and is a careful step in the direction of allowing more direct contributions to the state’s fiscal system.

The new regulation imposes a 0.75% tax on the total amount of each wager. That is, regardless of whether the wager is placed in chips, coins, bills, e-money, or other equivalent sources, the initial amount wagered by the player is subject to tax. The government explains that the tax event is actually the wagering event itself, and not the subsequent winnings or repetition that might occur during the game.

The decree precisely focuses on a particular segment of the gambling industry: games of chance with immediate results that are played through electronic or automated devices. Licensed casinos and entertainment halls, already regulated tightly, now have to include this new taxation burden in their financial management.

Significantly, the decree clarifies that the taxable base is the initial amount staked by the gambler. Any subsequent winnings accumulated during a gaming session will not be subject to taxation anew. This provision is intended to simplify the tax system, avoiding cumbersome calculations from continuous winning or the reinvestment of credits.