In geographical terms, the survey showed that the largest concentration of bets is in the state of Amazonas (3.49%), followed by Ceará (2.66%) and Maranhão (1.29%).
Although the North and Northeast regions account for almost 20% of sports betting companies, when it comes to figures, São Paulo is the state with the highest concentration, with 64.22% of the amount invested. While the Federal District has the highest average per company, R$16.1 million (US$ 2.8m).
Bets in the Brazilian economy
During the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) into Bets in the Senate, the executive secretary of the Central Bank (BC), Rogério Lucca, stated that between January and March of this year, Brazilians spent up to R$30 billion (US$ 5.2bn) per month on sports betting. Most of this money goes back to bettors – 93% to 94% –, according to data from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), an agency of the Ministry of Finance.
In September 2024, the BC published a study on the segment and the profile of bettors. Most of the bets of the 24 million players are made via Pix. The survey also indicates that consumers are between 20 and 30 years old, while the average value increases with age. Younger people typically invest R$100 (US$17.6) per month, while older people spend more than R$3,000 (US$530) per month.
Sports betting companies have been allowed to operate in Brazil since 2018. With the expansion of the market, discussions about the importance of responsible practices in the sector and Responsible Gaming have also grown.
Recent surveys, such as those conducted by the Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption (SBVC), AGP Pesquisas and Instituto Locomotiva, reinforce the need for initiatives that encourage responsible gaming.
The studies indicate that some gamblers are already noticing the impacts on their family budget and emotional well-being, which opens up space for the market, together with authorities and specialists, to develop actions for education, prevention and support for the public.
Source: Forbes
