Superbet makes history with first gambling license in Brazil
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8 Dec 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The time has come: Superbet is the first gambling company to receive a license to operate legally in Brazil. After a major investment of almost €5 million, the bookmaker will be allowed to welcome Brazilian players from January 2025. A historic moment for the gambling world in the country, but not without challenges.
The story behind the license
Imagine: it is July 2023 and the Brazilian gambling market is about to be regulated for the first time. Companies such as Superbet and Betano rush to express their interest. More than a hundred other gambling companies follow, but not all make it to the finish. Some, such as Betway, withdraw because the competition seems too tough.
However, Superbet persisted and was rewarded. As a sponsor of major Brazilian football clubs such as São Paulo and Fluminense, the company already had a foot in the door. Once they were told they were compliant, they paid the R$30 million (almost €5 million) licensing fee and claimed their place in the market.
Illegal gambling sites remain a problem
While Superbet is entering the legal market, Brazil continues to struggle with an overabundance of illegal gambling sites. The government is trying to crack down hard, but it is not succeeding in blocking all 5,000 websites on the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting list.
The president of Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações (Anatel), Carlos Baigorri, is sounding the alarm. He wants more money to improve technology and changes to the law to be able to take more effective action against these illegal operators.
It is a race against time. Because as long as illegal sites remain active, players are exposed to additional risks, from unfair practices to a lack of protection.
What does this mean for players and companies?
For players, it is good news that companies like Superbet will soon be operating legally. It offers more certainty and a safer gambling environment. But for companies, this also means a huge investment and fierce competition. Companies that cannot meet the strict requirements or cannot bear the high costs will drop out.
The question remains: will the regulated market turn the tide and drive out illegal providers? Or will players continue to find their way to risky alternatives?