Brazilian betting activity accelerated in the first five months of 2026, with licensed sports betting and online gaming platforms already showing strong growth ahead of the World Cup, which is now adding further momentum to wagering activity during June and July.
The Federal Revenue Service reported that Brazil generated BRL5.89 billion ($1.18 billion) in betting revenue from January through May 2026, compared with BRL3.169 billion ($634 million) during the same period in 2025. The increase amounted to 85.88%, or about 86%, in the amount directed to public coffers.
The data was released by tax auditors Claudemir Malaquias and Marcelo Gomide during a presentation attended by Revenue Secretary Robinson Barreirinhas.
Throughout 2025, Brazil collected BRL9.95 billion ($1.99 billion) from betting. The BRL5.89 billion recorded in the first five months of 2026 is equal to about 60% of the full-year 2025 total. If the current monthly average continues, Brazil could close 2026 with total revenue above BRL14 billion ($2.8 billion).
The momentum has carried into June and July following the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11. Between the opening of the tournament and June 25, bettors transferred nearly BRL 510 million ($102 million) to gaming platforms, according to data intelligence company Klavi.
Klavi said more than BRL25 million ($5 million) changed hands during Brazil’s match against Scotland on June 24 alone. The company said that represented a 35% increase over the daily average recorded before the start of the World Cup.
The company’s analysis found that the average transaction value for Brazilians rose from approximately BRL185 to BRL235 ($37 to $47), an increase of 24%. Klavi based its study on transfers made by 1.2 million individuals to 187 sites licensed in Brazil.