Brazil broaden regulation to include esports gambling

Brazil’s Ministry of Sports has just rewritten the playbook for betting in the country, officially opening the door for legal wagers on esports.

The move, announced through MESP Ordinance No. 36 on April 23rd, 2025, marks a seismic shift in the nation’s gambling landscape and signals Brazil’s intent to become a global powerhouse in both traditional and digital betting markets.

Until now, Brazilian betting was largely limited to traditional sports and a handful of virtual games recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

That meant popular esports titles like Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, and Fortnite were off the table for legal wagers.

But the new rules change everything: as long as tournament organisers secure the proper licenses or authorisation from game developers, these blockbuster titles are now fair game for betting.

This isn’t just a nod to gaming culture, it’s a calculated move to capture a booming market. Brazil’s Central Bank estimates that Brazilians already spend between R$20bn and R$30bn per month on online betting, and the inclusion of esports is expected to push those numbers even higher.

Minister of Sports André Fufuca described the regulation as a way to “expand opportunities for a rapidly growing sector,” reflecting Brazil’s status as one of the world’s largest gaming markets.

The ordinance also ensures a level playing field: no betting operator or game developer can demand exclusivity, promoting competition and consumer choice.

Strict rules remain in place to protect minors and prevent conflicts of interest, but for the first time, Brazilian fans can legally back their favorite esports teams and players.

With this bold regulatory leap, Brazil is not just keeping pace with global trends, it’s setting the stage for an esports betting boom that could reshape the industry across Latin America.