While Brazil confidently stepped into 2025 hoping to claim the headline of “no more unlicensed operations”, the reality has been far more complex. Now, with 2026 approaching,...
Brazil’s tax hike plan on gambling and billionaires gets support
Brazil’s newly appointed Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, Guilherme Boulos, spoke out in support of the government’s proposal of a tax increase for billionaires and gambling companies and criticized opposition lawmakers.
The Brazilian iGaming and sports betting market has faced strong criticism for paying relatively low taxes and contributing to gambling addiction. Companies already pay a 12% tax on gross gaming revenue, as well as corporate income tax and other social contributions. The government now wants to double the main gaming tax to 24%, bringing the total tax burden close to 40%.
Guilherme Boulos stressed:
“Let them know: for every attack there will be a response, for every lie, a rebuttal. Our role will also be to expose the hypocrisy of those who claim to be against the system and to defend the people. If they’re against the system, then why don’t they support our proposal to tax billionaires and ‘Bets’, Haddad? If they defend the people, why don’t they join us in ending the 6×1 work schedule?”
However, iGaming industry representatives warn that higher taxes could bring a disaster in the market, as some companies may close their doors and so push players toward illegal websites, which already make up about half of Brazil’s online gaming market.
Boulos made it clear that the government intends to fight for these changes, calling on the opposition to support those actions that aim to benefit the public.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Brazil?
Many forms of land-based gambling are illegal in Brazil.
What is the legal gambling age in Brazil?
The legal gambling age in Brazil is 18.
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