Key Moments:
- In the first half of 2025, online betting represented 15.3% of Pix transfers from individuals to businesses in Brazil.
- Payments of winnings from betting operators to individuals made up 13.5% of business-to-person Pix transactions.
- Lawfully operated betting sites recorded net revenue of R$17 billion during the same period.
Pix Drives the Online Gambling Market
A recent study by GMattos has highlighted the powerful link between Brazil’s instant payment system, Pix, and the online gambling sector. The data, published by Valor, showed that in the first six months of 2025, betting platforms accounted for 15.3% of all Pix transactions initiated by individuals to companies. Meanwhile, payouts of winnings from operators to players represented 13.5% of the reverse flow.
The synergy between Pix and the betting industry has significantly influenced the nation’s digital financial ecosystem. The organic rise of both innovations has redefined how funds circulate in Brazil’s online economy, making Pix an essential tool for operators and players alike.
How Pix Became Integral to Online Bets
Pix was officially launched by the Central Bank in 2020, two years after the legalization of sports betting in 2018. According to Gastão Mattos, head of GMattos, this sequence of events was coincidental but transformative for both sectors. He noted, “Pix was not created to help bets, but it’s a coincidence. Pix is the usual payment method for betting houses. There’s no risk, no fraud, it’s available 24/7, funds are transferred instantly, and it has a near 100% penetration among the population. So, it became the payment driver for the entire betting operation in Brazil.”
Pix’s Dominance in Online Gambling Transactions
Although some betting sites display other payment options, Pix is overwhelmingly preferred. At GMattos, data indicates that practically all betting transactions use Pix.
“There’s essentially no other model”, Mattos commented. “Platforms sometimes list other options in the checkout process, but when customers try to use them, they just don’t work.”
This heavy reliance on Pix demonstrates both its efficiency and the operational dependency of gambling businesses on a seamless, low-cost, and immediate infrastructure.
Scale of the Brazilian Betting Market via Pix
GMattos estimated the significance of Pix by cross-referencing public information, including data from Brazil’s Ministry of Finance and aggregate Pix transaction volumes. Between January and June 2025, legally operated betting sites achieved a net revenue of R$17 billion. Bettor deposits were estimated at R$242.8 billion, while payouts summed up to R$225.8 billion.
| Category | Amount (R$ billions) |
|---|---|
| Bettor Deposits | 242.8 |
| Payouts | 225.8 |
| Net Revenue (Legal Betting Sites) | 17 |
These figures highlight the massive volume of money channeling through Pix within the online betting sector.
Broader Implications for Regulation and Digital Finance
The pivotal role of Pix in the online betting arena raises pertinent considerations for regulators, tax authorities, and policymakers. The enormous scale of transactions processed through betting platforms presents unique challenges regarding taxation, oversight, and responsible gambling initiatives.
Furthermore, the convergence of digital payments for financial inclusion and the growth of online betting underscores both the advantages and the complexities introduced by digitalization in Brazil’s economy. While Pix remains a symbol of payment efficiency and transparency, its significance as the primary conduit for gambling transactions introduces new discussions about risk and oversight.
Conclusion: Convergence of Two Revolutions
The integration of Pix and online betting now defines a crucial component of Brazil’s online economy. As more than 15% of Pix payments between individuals and businesses flow through gambling platforms, the betting industry has become one of Pix’s major stakeholders.
As regulatory conversations continue to develop, the interplay between Pix and the betting sector will be central to debates on taxation, social responsibility, and the evolution of Brazil’s financial infrastructure.
- Author
Daniel Williams
