How to Bet on Sports in Brazil as an American
The CPF problem—and how to solve it
⚠️ The Brazil Challenge: CPF Required
Brazil just launched its regulated sports betting market in January 2025. The catch? Almost every licensed sportsbook requires a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)—Brazil's tax ID number. As an American without Brazilian tax registration, this creates a real barrier. But there are solutions.
⚡ TL;DR — The Quick Answer
The Reality: Brazil's CPF Wall
Brazil's new regulatory framework (launched January 2025) requires sportsbooks to verify bettors with a CPF number. This is the equivalent of needing a Social Security Number to bet.
The good news: Foreigners can get a CPF. It's not restricted to citizens.
The bad news: It requires either visiting a Brazilian consulate before you arrive, or going through bureaucracy at the Receita Federal (tax authority) once you're there with a valid visa.
For most American visitors or short-term expats, this is more hassle than it's worth. That's why crypto sportsbooks are the practical answer.
Your Best Option: Stake (No CPF Required)
Stake operates under a Curaçao license and accepts US passport verification—no CPF needed. Crypto deposits bypass both Brazilian banking requirements and US bank gambling blocks. Same platform Americans use throughout Latin America.
Deposit: USDT via Coinbase → Stake
Withdrawal: Instant crypto back to Coinbase
Sports: Full NFL, NBA, MLB + excellent Brasileirão coverage
Step-by-Step: Betting in Brazil Without CPF
Set Up Coinbase (If You Haven't)
Your US bank can send money to Coinbase without triggering gambling blocks. This is your bridge to crypto betting.
Buy USDT (Tether)
Stablecoin pegged to USD. No price volatility. Buy however much you want to deposit.
Create Stake Account with US Passport
Sign up at Stake.com, verify with your American passport. No CPF asked.
Deposit and Bet
Send USDT from Coinbase to Stake (use TRC-20 network for lowest fees). Funds arrive in 5-15 minutes. You're ready.
What If You're Staying Long-Term?
If you're in Brazil on a work visa or have residency plans, getting a CPF makes sense—it unlocks banking, phone contracts, and yes, all the local sportsbooks.
How to Get a CPF as a Foreigner
Option A: Apply at a Brazilian consulate in the US before you travel. Takes a few weeks.
Option B: Apply at a Receita Federal office in Brazil with your passport and valid visa. May require an appointment.
Once you have a CPF, bet365, Betano, and Betsson all operate in Brazil with full Portuguese interfaces and PIX instant payments.
Sports Betting Culture in Brazil
Football (soccer) dominates everything. The Brasileirão (national league) has massive betting interest—Flamengo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, São Paulo FC matches generate huge markets.
For American sports, coverage exists but it's not the main focus. You'll find NFL (especially Super Bowl), NBA, and UFC on most books, but the depth of props won't match Colombia or Mexico.
🎯 UFC in Brazil
Brazil is UFC country. Brazilian fighters are national heroes. UFC events from Brazil have incredible atmosphere, and betting interest is massive. If you're into MMA, this is the place.
Language Barrier Reality
Unlike Spanish-speaking Latin America, Brazil speaks Portuguese. English is less common outside business districts in São Paulo and tourist areas in Rio. Most local sportsbook interfaces are Portuguese-only.
Stake has full English support, which is another reason it's the go-to for Americans.
FAQ
Can I use PIX without a CPF?
No. PIX is tied to CPF—it's Brazil's instant payment system that requires tax registration. Without CPF, you can't use PIX, which is why crypto is the workaround.
Is betting with Stake legal in Brazil?
Stake operates under international licensing. Brazil's new regulations primarily target operators, not players. Using offshore books isn't prosecuted. You're in a gray area legally but practically safe.
Where do expats watch NFL in Brazil?
São Paulo: O'Malley's Irish Pub, Bourbon Street Music Club. Rio: Shenanigan's Irish Pub, Lord Jim Pub. Smaller American expat communities than Mexico/Colombia, so less dedicated NFL culture.
What about the time zone?
Brazil (São Paulo/Rio) is 2 hours ahead of Eastern Time. NFL 1 PM ET games are 3 PM local. Night games get late (10:20 PM kickoff for Sunday Night Football). Not terrible but not ideal.
The Bottom Line
Brazil's CPF requirement makes it the trickiest country in Latin America for American bettors. But Stake solves the problem completely—US passport verification, crypto deposits, full sports coverage, no Brazilian bureaucracy.
If you're staying long-term, get a CPF and unlock the local ecosystem. If you're visiting or don't want the hassle, Stake is your answer.
Skip the CPF Hassle
Stake accepts US passports and crypto—no Brazilian tax ID required.
Open Stake Account →