As Brazil kicks off 2025 with the launch of regulated sports betting, markets like the UK may be watching closely. Brazil’s new system is a landmark shift, not just for the country but as part of a broader global trend toward tightening gambling regulations. With the UK already a mature market, Brazil’s model could offer insights into how further reforms might unfold in other regions.

Brazil’s journey to regulated sports betting has been long in the making. While technically legalized in 2018, the industry operated in a legal gray zone for years. That changed in late 2023 when President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Bill PL3626/23 into law, setting the stage for a fully regulated and taxed gambling market.

A standout feature of Brazil’s regulations is the integration of advanced identity verification systems, including 3D face biometrics. Bettors must now:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Provide Individual Taxpayer Registration (CPF) number.
  • Agree to biometric verification for account creation, withdrawals, and ongoing compliance.

This system aims to protect vulnerable groups, prevent fraud, and ensure accountability—a framework that markets like the UK could adopt to strengthen their gambling controls.

Other Actors

Brazil is not alone. Argentina has also introduced biometric identity verification through its Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER), mandating age verification for all online gambling platforms. Measures include biometric ID checks for every platform login and withdrawal, aligning with global efforts to combat underage gambling and addiction.

Similarly, Uzbekistan recently approved licensing rules requiring digital identification, with oversight from its National Agency for Prospective Projects (NAPP). These may be demonstrations of a potential global shift toward stricter regulation, with technology at the forefront.

What Does This Mean for the UK?

The UK, a well-established hub for online gambling, already enforces age and identity checks. However, Brazil’s comprehensive approach—combining taxation, biometric technology, and real-time verification—could inspire further reforms. As more countries adopt cutting-edge technologies to regulate gambling, the UKGC may find opportunities to refine its already robust framework. If so, 2025 may mark the beginning of a new era in global gaming oversight.

Key areas the UK might consider include:

  • Enhanced Biometric Systems: Integrating facial recognition and digital IDs for greater accuracy and fraud prevention.
  • Stricter Withdrawal Policies: Requiring biometric checks for cashouts, similar to Brazil and Argentina, to promote financial transparency.
  • Data-Driven Oversight: Leveraging centralized databases to improve monitoring and compliance.