With one of the largest online gaming communities in Latin America, Brazil is emerging as a global hotspot for iGaming, especially poker. Fueled by a massive user base and a strong appetite for mobile games, real-money betting, and competitive card play. It’s no surprise that more entrepreneurs are looking to launch a poker app in Brazil.
The Brazilian online gambling market is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2024 to 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing iGaming sectors in the world.
But there’s a catch. 
You can’t just build an app, go live, and start accepting players. Brazil has rules and they’re changing fast. Between new gambling laws, strict data protection rules, and upcoming licensing requirements, launching without the right legal setup can lead to serious trouble.
Is Online Poker Legal in Brazil?
The short answer is: yes, online poker is legal in Brazil but it comes with conditions. Unlike casino-style games that rely mostly on chance, poker is often considered a game of skill, which gives it a different legal standing under Brazilian law.
Historically, gambling in Brazil was banned under the 1941 Criminal Contravention Act, but poker found a grey area to operate. Over the last decade, poker has gained recognition as a mind sport, with national tournaments and growing public interest. As a result, online poker platforms have started operating under more clarity, though still without a specific law written just for them.
In 2023, Brazil made a major move by passing Law №14,790, which formally regulated fixed-odds betting and opened the door for digital gaming companies to operate legally poker apps included. While poker isn’t the primary focus of the law, it’s now being brought under the same umbrella of digital and real-money games, pushing the country closer to full regulation.
Regulatory Authorities Involved
To legally launch a poker app in Brazil, operators must understand the key government bodies involved in overseeing gambling and digital gaming.
The main regulatory body is the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas — SPA), under Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. This authority is responsible for issuing licenses, monitoring compliance, and regulating the industry.
Other important agencies include:
- Receita Federal — Brazil’s tax authority, which oversees tax filings and financial reporting.
- Data Protection Authority (ANPD) — Ensures compliance with Brazil’s data protection law, the LGPD.
- Consumer Protection Agencies — Enforce fair marketing, refunds, and dispute resolution for users.
Working with these bodies is essential for any operator planning to enter the Brazilian market legally and ethically.
Must Read: How to Obtain a Poker License?
Licensing Requirements
Brazil is currently moving toward a federal licensing model, and while it’s still early days, the framework is already forming. As of mid-2025, operators who want to offer real-money games like poker must apply for a license from the SPA.
Key requirements include:
- Establishing a local entity in Brazil — Foreign companies must partner with or create a legal business registered in the country.
- Financial capability — The company must show it has the financial strength to manage user funds and ensure payouts.
- Technology standards — Platforms must have safe and fair gaming systems in place, often including third-party audits or RNG (random number generator) certifications.
- Responsible gaming policies — Your poker app must offer tools to prevent gambling addiction, including deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options.
According to the Ministry of Finance, more than 134 companies expressed interest in Brazil’s new gaming licenses in the first half of 2024. This shows how competitive and promising the market has become.
Compliance and Operational Rules
Once you’re licensed, the work doesn’t stop there. Brazilian online poker regulations require constant attention to compliance.
Here are some key operational rules:
- Know Your Customer (KYC): You must verify player identities, including ID documents and proof of address. This helps prevent fraud and money laundering.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Operators must report any suspicious activity and follow international AML procedures.
- Data Protection (LGPD): Player information must be stored securely. The law requires full transparency about how data is used and gives users the right to access or delete their data.
- Payment Security: All financial transactions must be encrypted and processed through approved payment channels in Brazil.
Your platform must also keep systems available 24/7 for support and technical reliability. A glitchy or unsecured app can lead to serious legal trouble and user loss.
Worth Noting: Creatiosoft Introduces Turnkey Card Game Software Tailored for the Brazilian Market
Taxes and Financial Obligations
Brazil’s government sees iGaming as a major tax opportunity. If you launch a poker app in Brazil, be prepared for multiple layers of tax obligations:
- Operator Tax: As per Law 14,790, licensed operators must pay 18% of their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) to the government.
- Corporate Taxes: Your business entity will also be subject to standard corporate income taxes in Brazil (15–25% depending on profits).
- Player Taxes: Winnings above a certain threshold may be taxed at the player level, though clear rules are still being developed.
Keeping clear records and filing taxes on time is critical to avoid penalties. Many operators work with local tax consultants to ensure full compliance.
Risks of Non-Compliance
Trying to cut corners in Brazil’s iGaming space can lead to big consequences. Here’s what’s at stake if you don’t follow online poker app laws in Brazil:
- Heavy fines — Operating without a license can result in fines up to R$2 million.
- App bans — Your app may be blocked on local app stores or web domains by order of regulatory bodies.
- Loss of credibility — Players in Brazil are becoming more aware of their rights and prefer to use trusted, licensed platforms.
- Criminal charges — In severe cases, illegal gaming operations could lead to criminal investigations or prosecution.
It’s always safer and smarter to follow the legal path from day one.
Conclusion
Brazil offers a massive growth opportunity for poker apps, with a vibrant market of players, rising smartphone use, and a legal framework that’s finally taking shape. But to launch a poker app in Brazil the right way, you must respect the rules.
Understand the Brazilian online poker regulations, work with the proper authorities, secure your license, and stay compliant with tax and data laws. It’s not a quick process, but it’s worth it.
