Ep 551: Brazil's 'Toy Breaking' Tax Tug-of-War

On Wednesday's episode of iGaming Daily, brought to you by Optimove, host Fernando Noodt sits down with the SBC Noticias Brasil team to dissect the Lula administration’s controversial plan to sharply increase taxes on the newly regulated iGaming sector. 

Despite being legalised only months ago, Brazil’s digital betting market now faces significant pressure under the government’s “BBB” campaign —targeting Billionaires, Banks, and Betting Companies—as part of a broader push for “tax justice.” Critics warn that this strategy could “break the toy,” jeopardising a booming industry that generated over 3 billion reais in revenue in just the first five months of 2025.

The episode also explores mounting opposition in Congress, warnings from industry leaders, and the growing fear that overly aggressive taxation—potentially exceeding 60%—could drive operators underground. The conversation broadens to include viable alternatives for government revenue, such as the long-debated legalisation of land-based casinos, bingo halls, and horse racing venues, which could inject up to 20 billion reais annually into the economy.

With key updates on the development of SINAPO (Brazil’s National Betting System) and new data from the regulated market, this episode offers essential context for understanding the political and economic forces shaping Brazil’s iGaming future.

Host: Fernando Noodt
Guests: Ricardo Assis & Ana Maria Menezes
Producer: Anaya McDonald
Editor: James Ross

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