Report from CNN Brazil points out that the project that creates a 15% tax on deposits on online betting platforms has generated concern among sector representatives, who warn of the risk of expanding the illegal market in the country. The proposal, called CIDE-BETSis under analysis in the Chamber of Deputies and is part of the package of measures for PL Antifactionapproved by the Senate at the end of 2025.
The text provides for the collection of tax directly on the amounts deposited by bettors before placing bets, with an expected collection of around R$30 billion per year. Part of these resources would be allocated to the National Public Security Fund, with the aim of financing actions to combat organized crime.
Risk of advancement of the illegal market
According to the report, experts and industry representatives say that the new tax could make regulated platforms less competitive, as part of the value of deposits would be withheld. The measure, according to them, could encourage bettors to migrate to unregulated sites, which do not follow the Brazilian government’s fiscal or control rules.
Sector consultants estimate that the illegal market already generates around R$38 billion per year, accounting for more than half of the bets made in the country. The concern is that high taxation on the player will end up increasing this share.
Analysts also cited the so-called “Colombia effect”, a reference to a similar experience in the neighboring country, where a tax on betting deposits led to a drop in revenue and the strengthening of the underground market, before being repealed.
“In Colombia we have a very clear example of measures equivalent to CidBets and with results absolutely contrary to what was expected. So much so that this measure did not prosper, it was revoked and today the market continues without the incidence of this 19% on VAT”, explains a specialist in betting regulation.
Defense of the proposal
The senator Alessandro Vieirarapporteur of the text in the Senate, argues that CIDE-BETS will create a permanent source of resources for public security. According to him, taxation will help finance measures to combat criminal factions and illegal activities that use the financial system.
“Today the financing for this activity, I would say, is a few billion reais so that it can be effective, concrete. And this money does not exist in the budget. So having specific, stable channels guarantees that you have planning, structuring and real combat”, argues Vieira.
The project still needs to be voted on in the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies before proceeding to presidential approval.
Check out CNN Brasil’s full report in the video below:
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
