Brazil Clarifies Rules for Migrating Player Data and Funds

Brazil’s gambling landscape is transforming as the regulated betting market nears its official launch.
A new ordinance ensures bettors’ data and funds are seamlessly migrated to licensed operators.
With secure transitions, player trust and compliance take center stage in Brazil’s fast-evolving gaming industry.
Learn how these new rules pave the way for a safer and more regulated betting environment.

Brazil Sets Clear Guidelines for Migrating Player Funds and Data to Regulated Betting Platforms

Key Points

1. Brazil’s Ordinance No. 1,875 defines the rules for migrating player data and funds to licensed operators.
2. Operators must meet strict licensing requirements to transition bettors to the legal market by January 1, 2025.
3. Players must approve data transfers and verify their identities using biometric technology.

Brazil’s highly anticipated regulated betting market is set to launch on January 1, 2025, marking a new era for the nation’s gambling industry. As part of this transition, Normative Ordinance No. 1,875 has introduced detailed regulations for transferring player data and funds to licensed operators. Published in the Official Gazette of the Union on November 26, the ordinance aims to safeguard bettor interests while ensuring a smooth migration to the legal market.

A Transition to Legitimacy

Brazil’s gambling regulator, the SPA, will oversee the migration process. With up to 93 operators and 205 brands awaiting licensing approval, the new rules create a transparent framework for transitioning existing players to licensed platforms.

To facilitate this, operators must secure a license by paying a fee of BRL 30 million (€4.9 million/$5.2 million) and submit a formal request to migrate data and funds by December 13, 2024. This step ensures that only approved operators participate in the transition period.

Player Consent and Biometric Verification

Bettors must actively consent to the transfer of their data and funds to licensed operators. As part of the process, players are required to:

• Use facial biometrics for identity verification.
• Register a valid bank account with a payment institution authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil.

If players choose not to migrate their accounts or if their current operators fail to obtain a license, any remaining funds must be refunded by December 31, 2024. This ensures that bettors retain full control over their resources during the transition.

Strict Deadlines and Compliance

Operators have until March 31, 2025, to allow bettors to withdraw funds from unlicensed platforms or approve transfers to licensed platforms. However, unlicensed operators will no longer be able to accept bets or provide gaming services after January 1, 2025.

For funds left unclaimed by June 30, 2025, they will be allocated to national charities, including the Student Financing Fund (Fies) and the National Fund for Public Calamities, Protection, and Civil Defence (Funcap).

Operators failing to achieve licensing or request resource transfers will be prohibited from holding bettor funds. Such companies must deposit funds into player accounts or make direct refunds. Bettors can receive their money through the most recent bank account registered during the transition period.

Enforcement and Accountability

To ensure compliance, the SPA retains the authority to monitor operators that fail to reimburse bettors. Companies that cannot return funds will be required to provide detailed explanations. Non-compliance may result in sanctions, highlighting the regulator’s commitment to accountability.

A New Era for Brazil’s Gambling Industry

This ordinance is a critical step in Brazil’s transition to a fully regulated betting market. It establishes clear expectations for operators while protecting bettor interests. By prioritizing transparency, player consent, and financial accountability, the SPA is paving the way for a trustworthy and thriving gambling ecosystem.

The structured migration process reflects Brazil’s dedication to modernizing its gambling industry and ensuring a level playing field for operators. Moreover, the inclusion of biometric verification and banking safeguards further enhances player security, fostering confidence in the newly regulated market.

As Brazil prepares for the January 1, 2025, launch of its regulated betting market, Ordinance No. 1,875 sets the stage for a secure and seamless transition. By outlining clear rules for migrating player data and funds, the government ensures that both operators and bettors are protected during this pivotal moment.

These regulations mark a significant step forward, promoting transparency, compliance, and fairness in the gambling sector. As operators align with these new standards, Brazil’s legal betting market is poised to become a model for regulation and innovation in the global gaming industry.