The Brazilian Government Expands the List of eSports Disciplines Allowed for Online Betting
The Brazilian government has taken an important step in regulating the online betting market by expanding the list of eSports disciplines allowed for betting.
Now, popular shooters such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Fortnite are included in this list.
This expansion will open new opportunities for players and betting operators and also impact the eSports industry in the country.
The new directive was signed by Minister of Sports André Fufuca and published in the official gazette on Wednesday.
Previously, only disciplines recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), such as chess, motorsport, and Just Dance, were included in the list of allowed games.
Changes in Legislation
On Thursday, April 23, 2025, a new version of the regulatory documentation was published, expanding the list of eSports games available for online betting.
These changes were made as part of amendments to Law No. 14.790/2023, which regulates fixed-odds betting events.
These changes allow the legalization of betting on eSports tournaments, including games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Fortnite, provided that the event receives a license or permission from the game developers or copyright holders.
Who Can Place Bets
Bets can now be placed on eSports tournaments if they meet the new requirements. Specifically, the games must be licensed or authorized by the developers.
This may mean that tournament organizers or betting operators need to work directly with the game developers or their successors to ensure the legality of these bets.
Impact of the Decision on eSports and the Betting Market
This decision significantly changes the betting market, as games that previously did not meet legal standards are now allowed for betting.
Specifically, shooter games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Fortnite, which had long been excluded from the list of approved disciplines, can now attract attention not only from viewers but also from those who want to bet on tournament outcomes.
Reasons for the Exclusion of Games from the List Earlier were related to the policy of the International Olympic Committee. As noted by Vincent Pereira, the IOC’s Director of Virtual Sports and Games, “We cannot allow games like shooters to uphold Olympic values.”
These games were excluded from the list because, according to IOC representatives, they did not align with the ideas and spirit of the Olympic movement.
However, the situation changed in 2023, when Fortnite was introduced as part of the eSports Olympic Week as a sports shooter, rather than a traditional survival format.
Betting in Brazil and the eSports Market
Brazil continues to be one of the largest markets for online gaming and betting. According to the Central Bank, Brazilians spend between 20 and 30 billion reais on betting each month.
The introduction of new rules and the expansion of the list of eSports disciplines is expected to further increase these figures and lead to a greater interest in sports and eSports events.
Legislative Changes in Online Betting
The betting legislation in Brazil has also undergone changes. In 2018, Law No. 13.756 was passed, which defines fixed-odds betting as betting on real or virtual events where the winning amount is predetermined. This legal framework legalizes online betting on such events, including eSports.
Additionally, at the end of 2023, a new law was passed that regulates the online betting market and introduces additional rules. In particular, it restricts access to betting for certain categories of citizens, such as minors, owners and employees of betting companies, as well as officials and athletes who may influence event outcomes.
Note on Betting Ban
Under the new legislation, betting is prohibited for:
- Owners and employees of companies offering betting services;
- Public officials involved in regulating betting;
- People with access to betting systems;
- Individuals diagnosed with “gambling addiction”;
- Athletes, referees, and others with influence on event outcomes.