Sports News
| Published On Aug 14, 2025 2:35 am CEST | By Daniel Li

Brazil Finalizes SINAPO Framework as Tax Debate Heats Up

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Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has moved a step closer to launching its long-planned National Betting System (SINAPO). The Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA), alongside officials from 18 states and the Federal District, has wrapped up the final working group meeting to outline the framework.

Drafts of the necessary regulations are now headed to the Attorney General’s Office for review, with input from participating states expected during the process. Once approved, the system will create a single, standardized network for coordinating betting oversight between federal and state governments.

SINAPO will have two membership levels. Adherent members will be states or districts still building their lottery operations, while associate members will be jurisdictions with established lotteries or advanced regulatory systems. Associate members will face stricter requirements, including anti-money laundering safeguards, responsible gambling measures, and respect for territorial licensing limits.

In return, they’ll enjoy benefits such as:

  • Placement on a unified list of authorized operators.
  • Access to a national self-exclusion program, allowing bettors to block themselves from all licensed betting companies.
  • Permission for operators to use the “.bet.br” domain.

SPA Secretary Regis Dudena said the system will boost player protection and strengthen the integrity of Brazil’s regulated betting market. The Attorney General’s review is expected in the coming weeks, after which states and districts will be gradually integrated into the new framework.

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Finance Minister Defends Betting Tax Increase

While SINAPO is moving forward, Brazil’s betting sector is also bracing for higher taxes. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad appeared before a joint congressional committee to defend Provisional Measure (MP) 1.303/2025, which proposes raising the tax on online betting from 12% to 18%.

Haddad argued the increase would not only add to government revenue but also help curb “consumption at levels considered harmful to public health.” The measure is part of a broader fiscal plan aimed at achieving a 0.25% primary surplus in 2026.

The package also includes significant changes to Brazil’s financial tax structure, such as unifying the income tax on investment earnings at 17.5% and ending exemptions on certain incentivized bonds. However, the betting tax hike has become one of the most debated provisions, with lawmakers weighing public health concerns against the potential for driving players toward unlicensed sites.

Some committee members warned that higher taxes could hurt the competitiveness of Brazil’s regulated gambling sector, while others said the increase is necessary to control betting activity and protect vulnerable players. The discussions highlight an ongoing balancing act between economic goals, market stability, and responsible gambling policy.

Daniel Li

A day trader in cryptocurrencies and avid sports bettor himself, Daniel decided to join the team and share his expertise with the iGaming.org audience. Areas of interest are global crypto regulations and the adoption of cryptocurrency use in the world. Daniel loves to work hard and write “how to guides” related to sports betting to share his take on various topics.