Brazil’s Caixa Loterias Gets Betting Government Licence to 2029

Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has granted Caixa Loterias, the lottery subsidiary of state-owned Caixa Econômica Federal, a fixed-odds betting licence valid through the end of 2029. The approval, issued via an ordinance by the Secretary of Prizes and Bets (SPA), allows Caixa Loterias to operate both retail and online fixed-odds betting and online gaming under the brands BetCaixa, Megabet, and Xbet Caixa.

This development marks a significant expansion of Caixa’s role in Brazil’s gambling sector. Already a dominant force in state-run lotteries with an effective monopoly, Caixa Loterias now enters the fixed-odds sports betting market — a fast-growing segment in Brazil —
positioning the federal government as a direct market participant alongside private operators.

 

Operator	Brands	Licence Validity	Operations
Caixa Loterias	BetCaixa, Megabet, Xbet Caixa	Until 2029	Retail and Online Fixed-Odds Betting & Online Gaming

 

Developments

Caixa Econômica Federal is one of Brazil’s largest public banks and manages a broad range of social programs, public lotteries, and housing credit initiatives. Through Caixa Loterias, it has long held a pivotal role in the country’s regulated gambling framework. The new licence gives Caixa a platform to compete in the increasingly digital betting landscape, leveraging its brand recognition and infrastructure.

However, the move comes amid mixed political signals. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has publicly criticised online betting, stating it “should never have been allowed” in Brazil. This reflects broader debate within government circles over the social impact and regulation of online gambling.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Senate has postponed a key vote on legalising land-based betting formats such as casinos, bingo, and the traditional jogo do bicho. This delay leaves the regulatory environment unsettled, even as online betting licences are being granted.

 

The authorisation of Caixa Loterias to operate fixed-odds betting and online gaming reinforces the government’s strategic role in Brazil’s evolving gambling market, balancing public interest with growing sector competition,” said an industry analyst familiar with the market.

 

Private operators are responding by organising collectively; some are forming a new betting union in São Paulo to better represent industry interests. This suggests growing competition and pressure on regulators to clarify rules and licensing frameworks. Caixa Loterias’ licence authorisation underscores the government’s intent to maintain influence in the expanding betting market. It also signals a potentially transformative period for Brazil’s gambling industry, marked by public and private rivalry amid evolving regulations and ongoing political debate.