CNC study reveals impact of sports betting and virtual casinos on Brazilian commerce; default reaches 1.8 million
The National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) revealed that Brazilian retail lost R$103 billion in revenue in 2024 due to the growth of online betting. The study, released on January 16, 2025, shows that sports betting platforms and virtual casinos generated R$240 billion in revenue during the period, causing 1.8 million Brazilians to default. Here is it (PDF – 3 MB)
The report “O Panorama das Bets” indicates that families with income between 3 and 5 minimum wages are the most affected by the expansion of the sector. According to the Central Bank, the volume of resources allocated to betting grew 180% compared to 2023, mainly compromising the domestic budget of classes C and D.
The expansion of the sector began after Federal Law 13,756/2018, which legalized sports betting in the country. Since then, the segment has grown with massive investments in marketing and sponsorships, especially in Brazilian football.
The document points out that insufficient regulation, especially of online casinos, facilitates illicit practices such as money laundering. The CNC warns that this situation harms traditional retail sectors, such as clothing and household appliances, which have seen a drop in sales.
The CNC proposes new regulatory measures, including betting limits, addiction prevention programs and risk campaigns. The entity also defends the regulation of physical casinos, arguing that they can generate jobs and benefit the local economy.
According to data from the Brazilian Consumer Protection Association (Proteste), complaints about online betting increased by 300% in 2024, compared to 2023. The main problems reported are difficulties in withdrawing winnings and undue charges on credit cards.
