Gambling Age In Brazil

Minimum Age: 19

Details and Explanation

Legal Age Requirement: In Brazil, the minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities is 19. This applies to sports betting, lotteries, and online platforms, as per Law No. 14,790/2023, enforced to protect minors from gambling-related risks. Casino gambling is illegal.

Offline / Land-Based Gambling: Land-based casino gambling is illegal under the Misdemeanours Law of 1941, but lotteries, horse racing, and fixed-odds sports betting (since 2018) are legal in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, requiring ID checks to enforce the 19-year-old age limit. The market, valued at BRL 10 billion annually, supports state revenues, with limited game catalogs compared to your preferences.

Online Gambling: Online gambling, specifically sports betting, is legal and regulated since December 2023 under Law No. 14,790/2023, with licensed operators offering mobile-friendly platforms, generating BRL 2 billion in 2024. Online casinos remain unregulated, but offshore sites are accessible, contributing to a $1 billion unregulated market. Unlicensed operators face ISP blocking, and players risk fines up to BRL 50,000, reflecting a growing market.

Regulation and Oversight: The Ministry of Finance, through the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, regulates gambling under Law No. 13,756/2018 and Law No. 14,790/2023. It oversees licensing, enforcing fair play, anti-money laundering measures, and responsible gambling initiatives. Brazil’s emerging framework, less rigorous than Kahnawake’s, supports a $3 billion gambling economy, with 2024 reforms introducing BRL 5 million licensing fees for operators.

Enforcement and Penalties: Brazil enforces its regulations rigorously. Operators face inspections, with violations like underage gambling leading to fines up to BRL 20 million, license revocation, or criminal charges. Over 500 illegal websites were blocked by 2025, and players engaging in underage or unlicensed gambling face fines or account closures. The 2025 advertising restrictions ensure a secure environment, with the market projected to grow 12% annually.