Betsson Secures Full Sports Betting and iGaming License in Brazil

Betsson AB, a prominent European operator, has officially secured its full licence to offer online sports betting and iGaming services in Brazil. This new approval, announced on February 26, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the company's strategic expansion in Latin America, a region that continues to fuel its growth.

The Road to Full Licensure

Although Betsson had applied for a Brazilian sports betting licence as one of the first ten companies, it was notably absent from the list of 43 operators who were granted full licences in January and February. Instead, Betsson had to settle for provisional authorisation during the initial round of licences. This allowed the company time to complete technical certifications and prepare for the next step in securing a long-term operating licence in Brazil.

The much-anticipated news came on February 26 when Betsson announced it had received the official five-year licence, which is valid from February 25, 2025. This move aligns with Betsson's broader international growth strategy, with the company already maintaining a presence in other Latin American countries, such as Colombia and Peru, and now, firmly entrenched in the Brazilian market.

A Strategic Expansion in Brazil

Betsson’s move into Brazil began in 2019 when it acquired a 75% stake in Suaposta, a local sportsbook operator. This acquisition gave Betsson a foothold in the burgeoning Brazilian sports betting market. However, it was not until 2025 that the company fully solidified its position with the approval of its full licence.

Pontus Lindwall, Betsson AB’s President and CEO, expressed his satisfaction with the new regulatory approval. In a company statement, Lindwall said, “We welcome the introduction of a local regulatory framework in Brazil and are pleased to have obtained a licence. This step aligns with our strategy to grow via geographical expansion, and we look forward to offering Brazilian customers a secure and high-quality gaming experience.”

Brazil, with its vast population and love for sports, represents a promising opportunity for Betsson and other operators in the iGaming space. The new licence allows Betsson to offer a full range of betting products, further solidifying its position in the competitive Latin American market.

While Betsson has experienced solid growth in Latin America, its immediate focus has been on Spanish-speaking countries in the region. Group CEO Jesper Svensson had previously explained that the company had not invested heavily in Brazil yet, despite the country's potential. However, with the newly secured licence, Betsson is now in a better position to invest and develop its business in Brazil over the long term.

“Although we have been growing really well in Latin America, we have not yet started to invest in Brazil. Our focus has more been on the Spanish-speaking countries. However, our ambition is clearly to be part of the regulation and, over time, build a strong business in Brazil as well,” Svensson had stated in an earlier interview.

Betsson’s global expansion strategy paid off in 2024, with the company breaking the €1 billion revenue barrier for the first time. The company's success was largely driven by its performance in Latin America, underscoring the region’s importance to its long-term growth objectives.

A Competitive Landscape

Betsson is not the only operator eyeing Brazil’s regulated market. On February 25, 2025, five other operators also received full licences, including Big Brazil with its Caesars brand, Skill On Net, and Reals Brasil. As more operators enter the Brazilian market, competition will intensify, making it crucial for Betsson to offer a high-quality, localized experience to maintain a competitive edge.

Additionally, some companies are still navigating the regulatory framework. BPX Bets Sports Group, which operates brands like BetPix365 and ObaBet, was granted provisional authorisation to operate in Brazil via a court order on February 26. The ruling came after BPX Bets filed a legal injunction, which also led to a daily fine imposed on Brazil’s betting regulator, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), for failing to authorise the company’s brands.

On the other hand, Tropicalize, a previously approved operator, was removed from the list of authorised companies after failing to pay the required BRL 30 million licence fee, demonstrating the strict regulatory environment in Brazil.

 

We welcome the introduction of a local regulatory framework in Brazil and are pleased to have obtained a licence. This step aligns with our strategy to grow via geographical expansion, and we look forward to offering Brazilian customers a secure and high-quality gaming experience.

Looking Ahead

As Brazil continues to solidify its position as a major player in the global iGaming market, operators like Betsson will play an integral role in shaping the landscape. With a stable regulatory framework in place, the market is set to grow, attracting more investment and competition. For Betsson, the granting of the full licence in Brazil is just the beginning of what could be a fruitful chapter in its international growth story.

As Betsson rolls out its full operations in Brazil, all eyes will be on how it performs in a market that promises enormous potential but also poses unique challenges. With a strategic focus on expanding its footprint across Latin America, Betsson is well-positioned to leverage its expertise in regulated markets and bring high-quality gaming experiences to Brazilian customers.