SPORTS BETTING IN BRAZIL
FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS: 2026 GUIDE

THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT BRAZIL

Let's start with reality: Brazil is the hardest Latin American country for American expats to bet legally. The market fully regulated in January 2025, and the rules are strict.

Unlike Mexico or Colombia where you can walk into a convenience store and deposit cash, Brazil has built a "closed loop" payment system that essentially requires you to be a Brazilian resident. The good news? Once you have the right documentation, Brazil has the most exciting sports betting market on the continent—massive football culture, great sportsbook options, and passionate fan engagement.

This guide will tell you exactly what you need, the workarounds that exist, and whether it's worth the effort.

THE 2025 REGULATIONS: WHAT CHANGED

Brazil's sports betting market officially regulated on January 1, 2025. The government created the SPA (Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas) under the Ministry of Finance to oversee the industry.

Here's what the new rules mean for bettors:

Licensed Operators Only

Only sportsbooks authorized by the SPA can legally operate. They must use .bet.br domains. As of late 2025, approximately 80+ operators received licenses, including major names like bet365, Betano, Betsson, and Sportingbet.

PIX is the Only Payment Method

This is the big one. Credit cards are banned. Cryptocurrency is banned. Cash deposits (Boleto) are banned. The only way to deposit and withdraw is via PIX—Brazil's instant payment system developed by the Central Bank.

PIX requires:

• A Brazilian bank account
• A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)—Brazilian tax ID
• The deposit and withdrawal accounts must match (closed loop)

Taxes on Winnings

Brazil taxes gambling winnings at 15% on amounts exceeding R$2,824 (approximately $500 USD). This is withheld automatically by the operator.

HOW TO GET A CPF AS A FOREIGNER

The good news: foreigners can get a CPF. It's actually one of the easier Brazilian bureaucratic processes.

Option 1: Apply at a Brazilian Consulate (Before You Arrive)

If you're still in the US, you can apply for a CPF at any Brazilian consulate. Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Completed CPF application form
• Proof of US residence
• Fee: approximately $15 USD
• Processing time: 1-2 weeks

Option 2: Apply in Brazil (Receita Federal)

If you're already in Brazil, visit any Receita Federal (Federal Revenue) office. Bring:

• Passport with entry stamp
• Proof of address in Brazil (hotel reservation often works)
• Fee: R$7 (about $1.50 USD)
• Processing time: Often same-day

Option 3: Online Application

Some foreigners have successfully applied online through the Receita Federal website, though this method is inconsistent and may require additional documentation.

BEST SPORTSBOOKS FOR BRAZIL (WITH CPF)

If you have your CPF and Brazilian bank account sorted, you have access to excellent sportsbooks:

bet365 Brazil: Best for English Speakers

bet365 is the clear winner for American expats in Brazil. They offer a full English interface (switch language in settings), instant PIX deposits and withdrawals, industry-leading live streaming, and comprehensive coverage of US sports alongside Brazilian football.

Betano: The Brazilian Favorite

Betano is the most-searched sportsbook brand in Brazil—bigger than Instagram and Flamengo in Google trends. Their Brasileirão coverage is unmatched, with deep markets for even Serie B and C matches. The interface is Portuguese-only, but if you can navigate basic Portuguese (or use Google Translate), it's excellent.

OPTIONS WITHOUT CPF: THE GRAY AREA

What if you're just visiting Brazil for a few months and don't want to deal with CPF bureaucracy? Let's be honest about your options:

Offshore Crypto Sportsbooks

The only realistic option for tourists is using offshore sportsbooks that accept cryptocurrency. These operate outside Brazilian regulation. They're technically illegal under the 2025 law, but enforcement focuses on operators, not individual bettors.

WHAT TO BET ON IN BRAZIL

Brazil's sports betting market is dominated by football—and the options are incredible:

Brazilian Football (Futebol)

• Brasileirão Serie A: The top division. Flamengo, Palmeiras, São Paulo, Corinthians. Deep markets everywhere.
• Brasileirão Serie B, C, D: Yes, you can bet on fourth-division Brazilian football. Coverage is insane.
• Copa do Brasil: The domestic cup competition.
• State Championships: Campeonato Paulista, Carioca, Mineiro—regional leagues with passionate followings.
• Copa Libertadores: South America's Champions League. Brazilian clubs dominate.

US Sports

• NFL: Growing popularity in Brazil. The NFL Brazil game (São Paulo) sells out instantly. bet365 and Betsson have good NFL coverage.
• NBA: Solid coverage at all major books.
• MLB: Available but limited—football dominates the market.

WITHDRAWING YOUR WINNINGS

If you're using licensed Brazilian sportsbooks with PIX, withdrawals are instant. This is one of Brazil's major advantages—PIX withdrawals hit your bank account in seconds, 24/7.

Tax Withholding

Remember: winnings above R$2,824 are taxed at 15%. This is automatically withheld by the sportsbook. You'll receive the net amount.

Getting Money Back to the US

If you need to transfer winnings from your Brazilian bank account to your US account, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the best option. Their BRL to USD rates are competitive, and transfers take 1-2 business days.

TIPS FOR BETTING IN BRAZIL

1. Get Your CPF Early

If you're planning a longer stay, apply for your CPF at the Brazilian consulate before you arrive. It's much easier than dealing with Receita Federal offices in Brazil.

2. Open a Nubank Account

Nubank is the easiest Brazilian bank for foreigners. Once you have CPF, download the app and apply. Most people are approved within a few days.

3. bet365 for English

If you don't speak Portuguese, bet365 is your best option. Full English interface, same great product as the UK version.

4. Watch the Time Zone

Brazil spans multiple time zones. São Paulo (where most expats live) is typically 2 hours ahead of US Eastern. Brasileirão matches often kick off at 7-9 PM local time, which is afternoon in the US.

5. Embrace Brasileirão

Brazilian football betting is an incredible experience. The matches are chaotic, goals are frequent, and the markets are deep. If you're in Brazil, lean into the local sports culture—it's more fun than betting on NFL from 5,000 miles away.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I bet in Brazil without CPF?

Not at licensed sportsbooks. The only option is offshore crypto books like Stake, which operate in a legal gray area.

Do Brazilian sportsbooks accept US credit cards?

No. Credit cards are banned under the 2025 regulations. PIX is the only deposit method at licensed operators.

Is bet365 legal in Brazil?

Yes. bet365 received a Brazilian license and operates legally at bet365.bet.br. Make sure you're using the .bet.br domain.

How long does it take to get a CPF?

At a Brazilian consulate in the US: 1-2 weeks. In Brazil at Receita Federal: often same-day.

Can I use DraftKings or FanDuel in Brazil?

No. They don't operate in Brazil and are geoblocked.

Are my winnings taxed?

Yes. 15% tax on winnings above R$2,824, automatically withheld by the operator.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Brazil is not the easiest place for American expats to bet on sports. The CPF and PIX requirements create real barriers for tourists and short-term visitors.

However—if you're planning to live in Brazil for an extended period, it's absolutely worth getting set up. The market is mature, the sportsbook options are excellent, and Brazilian football betting is genuinely exciting. bet365 offers a full English experience, PIX withdrawals are instant, and you'll have access to betting markets on everything from Flamengo vs. Corinthians to the NFL São Paulo game.

For short-term visitors without CPF: offshore crypto books are your only realistic option, with all the legal caveats that entails.

Make the call based on your situation. If you're in Brazil for more than a few months, get the CPF. It's worth it. 🇧🇷