Study Reveals Brazilian Bettors’ Profile: Entertainment, Not Profit, Drives the Game

Brazil’s online betting market is evolving rapidly, with player behaviour revealing more about lifestyle and entertainment preferences than financial ambition. As regulation discussions continue and digital platforms gain popularity, new data offers a clearer picture of who Brazilian bettors are and what truly motivates them. Rather than chasing profits, most players approach betting as a casual pastime — a trend that says much about the maturity and direction of the market.

A recent survey conducted by KTO casino has shed light on the habits and motivations of Brazilian bettors, painting a picture of a market driven more by leisure than by profit. According to the study, most bettors in Brazil belong to the middle class and view gambling primarily as a form of entertainment rather than a source of income.

The findings were based on data collected with Globo Ads and complementary figures from KTO’s own platform. The results indicate that 59% of bettors are men, while women represent 41% of the total. The predominant age group is between 25 and 40 years old, accounting for 42.1% of participants. Another 24.6% are between 41 and 56, while only 0.6% are over 76. These figures suggest that online gambling in Brazil is largely embraced by economically active adults.

Middle-class dominance and regional concentration in the casino

Brazil’s betting landscape is heavily influenced by its middle class. The study shows that classes C1 and B1 together account for 47% of all online bettors — 25.4% from C1 and 22.9% from B1. Lower-income groups (D and E) represent just 6.2% of the total, highlighting a demographic with stable financial habits and controlled spending.

Regionally, the Southeast leads in the number of bettors, with São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais standing out as the main hubs. The report also shows that 37.9% of bettors live in major capitals, while 36.8% reside in smaller cities and rural areas, illustrating a fairly even distribution between urban and interior regions.

The study highlights that nine out of ten bettors in Brazil have completed at least high school, and 15% hold postgraduate degrees. In terms of occupation, 46% are formally employed, 15% work informally, and 10% identify as freelancers or self-employed professionals. These indicators suggest a relatively educated and financially stable betting public.

Betting for fun: slots remain the favorite

When it comes to motivation, entertainment clearly takes the lead. Seventy-two percent of respondents said they bet primarily for fun, while 38% mentioned betting as a way to supplement their income. Social engagement and sports enthusiasm were also cited as reasons by 19% and 18% of bettors, respectively.

Slot games remain the undisputed favorite in Brazil, led by titles such as Fortune Tiger. Crash games like Aviator follow closely, with live games such as roulette and blackjack completing the top three categories.

Moderate spending and responsible habits

The average Brazilian bettor spends modestly. According to the data, 63% wager up to R$100 per month, and 26% spend between R$101 and R$500. Complementary figures from SBC Notícias show a national average of R$61.52 per month — a clear indication that betting in Brazil remains mostly casual and financially contained.

In addition, 90% of deposits on betting platforms are below R$100, reinforcing the perception that betting activity in the country is predominantly low-risk and focused on entertainment.

Regulation and financial impact

The recent regulation of online gambling in Brazil has not curbed public interest. Between January and March, gamblers spent an estimated USD 4 billion to USD 6 billion per month, according to Rogério Lucca, executive secretary of Brazil’s Central Bank. He and the institution’s president, Gabriel Galípolo, presented the figures to a Senate investigative committee examining the financial and social impacts of online gambling, including potential links to criminal activity.

Lucca noted that, prior to regulation, the Central Bank estimated the monthly amount spent at around USD 4 billion. The updated figures, following the regulatory framework that came into effect on January 1, 2025, suggest a significant rise. Most of the money, between 93 and 94 percent, is returned to bettors in the form of prizes, according to the National Treasury, although the Central Bank’s previous data indicated a payout ratio closer to 85 percent.

Despite these figures, the overarching trend remains one of moderation among individuals. The large volumes reflect the scale of the market rather than reckless individual behavior, aligning with KTO’s findings that Brazilian bettors engage primarily for recreation.

Looking ahead

As discussions around online gambling regulation evolve, Brazil offers an example to international observers of a growing market balancing expansion with responsibility. Maintaining this balance — fostering entertainment while preventing harmful behaviors — will be key to the sustainability of Brazil’s regulated betting environment.