From Illegal to Mainstream: Sports Betting Takes Center Court at the Rio Open

Sports betting in Brazil is rapidly on the rise, and Betnacional is capitalizing on its growing popularity. The 2025 ATP Rio de Janeiro event has welcomed one of Brazil’s biggest bookmakers to the courts, with Betnacional becoming the tournament’s official sports gambling sponsor.

Sports betting has seen a surge in participation worldwide, with many new markets being introduced to the high-adrenaline activity. In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), which had made it illegal to bet on sports outside of Nevada. The court ruled that the law violated states' rights, and since then, the floodgates have opened, with punters and bookmakers making their presence felt across the country.

South of the continent, Brazil has experienced a similar transformation. Before 2018, sports betting was illegal in Brazil, forcing many punters to access offshore bookmakers to try their luck at making a quick profit—or in this case, winning in reais. The government was aware of this behavior but lacked the legal framework to regulate or tax the industry. Fast forward to December 2018, and the Brazilian government recognized the revenue potential, legalizing sports gambling and cashing in on the tax income generated by the activity.

As the 2025 Rio Open gets underway, Betnacional plans to engage spectators through various exclusive activations. These include interactive stands at Leblon Boulevard and the distribution of personalized gifts. The company's branding will be prominently displayed in key areas of the event, such as the central court, interview panels, and the official tournament website. This sponsorship aligns with Betnacional's broader strategy to promote responsible entertainment and support diverse sports that are integral to Brazilian culture. The company has a history of involvement in the sports sector, with ambassadors such as footballer Vinícius Júnior.

A survey conducted by Hibou, a leading market research company, in August 2024 revealed that 68% of the Brazilian population engages in some form of betting, including lotteries, raffles, sports betting, bingo, and online casino games. Specifically focusing on sports betting, approximately 25 million Brazilians placed bets on electronic platforms in the first seven months of 2024 alone.

With a clear market and a strong appetite for sports gambling, we can expect a significant influx of money into matches throughout the week at the Rio Open.

 Jake Scudder

Journalist - topics of tennis