Brazil approves phased gambling tax increase to 15% by 2028 | Yogonet International
Summary
Brazil has enacted Complementary Law No. 224, approving a phased rise in taxes on licensed gambling operators that will lift the levy on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from the current 12% to 13% in 2026, 14% in 2027 and 15% from 2028 onwards. The law also tightens compliance duties across the sector and introduces additional revenue allocations to social security: 1% of operator revenue in 2026, 2% in 2027 and 3% in 2028.
The legislation creates joint tax liability for entities that support illegal betting — including advertisers and payment providers — and establishes the CIDE-Bets levy, earmarked for the National Public Security Fund and estimated to raise around BRL 30 billion annually. A separate mechanism reinstates a 15% retrospective tax on gambling activity carried out between 2018 and 2024. Meanwhile, a proposed 15% tax on player deposits has been approved by the Senate plenary and is back in the Chamber of Deputies for reconsideration.
Key Points
- Complementary Law No. 224 raises operator taxes to 13% (2026), 14% (2027) and 15% (2028+).
- Operators must allocate extra shares of revenue to social security: 1% (2026), 2% (2027), 3% (2028).
- Joint tax liability introduced for advertisers, financial and payments firms that support illegal betting platforms.
- CIDE-Bets levy will fund the National Public Security Fund and is expected to yield ~BRL 30 billion per year.
- An Antifaction Bill imposes a 15% retrospective tax on gambling from 2018–2024 (RERCT Litígio Zero Bets mechanism).
- A separate 15% tax on player deposits has Senate approval and awaits further Chamber of Deputies consideration.
Why should I read this?
Quick heads-up: if you operate, invest in or provide services to Brazil’s gambling market, this law changes the maths. Higher recurring levies, mandatory social-security contributions and fresh joint-liability rules mean costs, compliance and counterparty risk all go up. There’s also a retrospective tax and a pending deposit levy that could hit cashflow — worth a few minutes of your attention.