Brazil gaming revenue hits BRL6 billion in H1

The sports betting and online gaming sector continues to grow. Brazil generated BRL5.89 billion ($1.18 billion) in betting revenue from January through May 2026. During the same period in 2025 the sector generated BRL3.169 billion ($634 million). Compared to last year, growth was 85.88%.

This result underscores the importance of this industry to the economy and places a great responsibility on the government. Given the executive branch’s frequent criticism of betting sites, it is up to policymakers to take this sector seriously.

Tax revenue could be doubled if the government were able to bring clandestine websites into the legal framework. Or at least effectively block all illegal operations. This would encourage bettors to use licensed betting sites.

The data was released by tax auditors Claudemir Malaquias and Marcelo Gomide during a presentation attended by Revenue Secretary Robinson Barreirinhas.

Throughout 2025, Brazil collected BRL9.95 billion ($1.99 billion) from betting. With the results from the first five months of 2026, revenue has already exceeded the full-year figures by 60%.

World Cup to draw record betting revenue

If the current monthly average holds, Brazil could end the year with total revenue exceeding BRL14 billion ($2.8 billion). These figures are likely to rise further, given that the World Cup is currently in a phase of high engagement among Brazilians. From the start of the tournament through 25 June, bettors had already transferred nearly BRL510 million ($102 million) to these platforms. These figures come from Klavi, a data intelligence company.

According to Klavi, more than BRL25 million ($5 million) changed hands during the match against Scotland on 24 June alone. The company notes that this represents a 35% increase over the daily average recorded prior to the start of the World Cup.

Klavi’s analysis shows that the average transaction value for Brazilians rose from approximately BRL185 to BRL235 ($37-$47) – an increase of 24%.

The company based its study on tracking transfers made by 1.2 million individuals to 187 sites licensed in Brazil.