TLDR
- 34.8% of Brazilians deposited money at betting platforms after the World Cup began, up from 11% in May
- Data came from a Klavi survey using Central Bank of Brazil Open Finance records covering 1.2 million people
- Average deposits rose from BRL 188 to BRL 272, peaking at BRL 524 after the Brazil vs Morocco match
- Brazil’s Ministry of Finance opened proceedings against bet365, Betnacional, and KTO over World Cup ad violations
- Companies could face fines up to BRL 2 billion under Brazil’s Betting Law
A new survey has found that betting activity in Brazil jumped sharply after the 2026 FIFA World Cup began. The report comes from Brazilian fintech company Klavi.
According to the survey, 34.8% of Brazilians made a deposit at a betting platform once the tournament started. That number was just 11% in May, before the World Cup began.
The data was pulled from the Central Bank of Brazil’s Open Finance system. Researchers looked at a sample of 1.2 million people to reach their findings.
It’s worth pointing out that the survey only tracked transfers to licensed betting operators. It did not include illegal betting platforms, which Klavi estimates make up close to half of all bets placed in the country.
Deposit Amounts Also Climbed
The number of bettors wasn’t the only thing that grew. The average amount each person deposited also increased during the tournament.
Before the World Cup, the average deposit was BRL 188. By June 28, that figure had climbed to BRL 272.
The highest single-day average came on June 14, the day after Brazil played Morocco. On that day, bettors deposited an average of BRL 524 each.
Timing also played a role in the results. More than 60% of all deposits happened after 6:00 p.m., when World Cup matches were being broadcast.
Only 10% of deposits were made in the morning. This suggests most betting activity follows match schedules rather than happening throughout the day.
The survey also found that spending is concentrated among a small group. The top 10% of bettors deposited 20 times more money than the remaining 90% combined.
Advertising Rules Now Under Review
Separately, Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has opened administrative proceedings against three betting companies. The companies named are bet365, Betnacional, and KTO.
The proceedings relate to ads shown during CazéTV’s World Cup broadcasts. Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting reviewed the ads and found several problems.
Some ads reportedly created a sense of urgency to place bets. Others displayed required warnings about age limits and debt risks in text too small to read clearly.
Brazil’s National Advertising Self-Regulation Council had already recommended pulling the ads before the Ministry stepped in. The Ministry has now ordered CazéTV to stop airing them.
Under Brazil’s Betting Law, known as Law No. 14,790/2023, the companies involved could face fines of up to BRL 2 billion. Additional penalties are also possible under the same law.
Officials have indicated that further restrictions on gambling advertising in Brazil are expected soon. No timeline has been given for when new rules might take effect.
