- Google’s June 18, 2025, policy allows SPA-licensed betting apps on Brazil’s Play Store, supporting lotteries, horse racing, and fantasy sports.
- The move, driven by the $6.3B market’s 90% Q1 growth, aims to curb 50–60% illegal bets; 79 operators paid $5.2M each for licenses.
- Safer apps like Bet365 gain traction, but tax hikes spark concerns; use SPA-verified platforms like FanDuel as regulations tighten.
Why Google Changed Its Policy
Brazil’s $6.3 billion gambling market, legalized under Law No. 14.790/2023, has boomed, with online betting surging 90% in Q1 2025.
However, 50–60% of bets still flow to illegal offshore sites, costing $2.2 billion in taxes yearly.
Pressure from operators and the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) pushed Google to reverse its ban on real-money gaming apps, aiming to steer users to licensed platforms and curb unregulated betting. You can see the goal: a safer, regulated digital betting space to match Brazil’s growing market.
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Details of the New Policy
The updated policy, effective June 18, 2025, allows SPA-licensed operators to list apps for lotteries, horse racing, betting tips, and daily fantasy sports on the Play Store. Operators must provide valid Brazilian licenses and comply with strict certification, including responsible gaming measures like age verification.
The policy also permits Google Ads for these apps, boosting visibility. Over 79 licensed operators, who paid $5.2 million each for five-year concessions, can now compete with illegal platforms, which saw 5.4 billion visits in 2024.
You might notice the shift: legal apps gain a digital edge, but enforcement against offshore sites remains key.
Impact on Brazil’s Gambling Industry
The policy strengthens Brazil’s regulated market, projected to hit $6.3 billion in online gross gaming revenue in 2025. Licensed platforms like Bet365 could see increased downloads, reducing the 15% of bets on offshore sites.
For you, this means safer, SPA-verified apps with protections against fraud and addiction, unlike risky illegal platforms. X posts show excitement for easier access but frustration over tax hikes, like the 18% GGR tax.
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming warned that high taxes could push bettors back to black markets. You might ask: will this level the playing field or fuel workarounds like VPNs?
What’s Next for Brazil’s Betting Market
Google’s move aligns with Brazil’s 2025 regulatory push, including a $415 million crackdown blocking 357 illegal URLs. Apple’s App Store may follow, as bill PL 2738/2025 seeks to regulate app platforms. By Q4 2025, a National Betting System and self-exclusion platform will enhance player safety.
You might be curious about safe betting: stick to SPA-licensed apps like FanDuel for verified security. As Brazil’s $6.3 billion market grows, Google’s policy could reshape digital gambling, balancing access and regulation.
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