Esports Ecosystems Strengthen Regulation and Integrity
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Key Takeaways
- Brazil implements gradual tax increases on licensed operators while expanding the list of eligible esports titles for betting.
- ESIC advances grassroots integrity through certified venue infrastructure and new partnerships.
- Regulatory refinements support structured growth and corruption prevention in key markets.
Brazil Approves Gradual Tax Rise on Operators
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approved Complementary Law No. 224, introducing a phased increase in gross gaming revenue tax for licensed betting operators from the current 12% to 13% in 2026, 14% in 2027, and 15% in 2028.
Additional measures include a new social security contribution starting at 1% of revenue in 2026, rising incrementally. The law also imposes joint liability on advertisers and payment providers linked to unlicensed sites. These changes follow the market's launch on January 1, 2025, and aim to balance revenue generation with sector sustainability amid ongoing efforts to curb illegal operations in Latin America's largest betting market.
Source: iGaming Business
Brazil Expands Eligible Esports Categories
The Brazilian government updated fixed-odds betting rules via a new ordinance, authorizing wagers on additional esports titles, including Counter-Strike, VALORANT, and Fortnite, provided tournaments hold licenses or authorization from game developers or IP holders.
This removes prior restrictions tied to Olympic recognition, broadening opportunities for operators in the regulated market. The adjustment aligns with Brazil's vibrant esports scene and supports formalized betting on high-profile shooter games, enhancing offerings for licensed platforms while maintaining developer oversight.
Source: Gambling Insider
ESIC Partners with gg Circuit for Certified Venues
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) collaborated with gg Circuit to launch the world's first certified esports venue program, establishing global standards for physical locations hosting competitions.
Certified venues must comply with integrity protocols, including surveillance, device controls, and anti-cheating measures. This initiative targets grassroots and local events, providing publishers, organizers, and operators with trusted infrastructure across regions to mitigate risks at the entry level and bolster overall ecosystem confidence.
Source: ESIC.gg
