Apple Tightens Rules for Gambling Apps in Brazil
Apple has updated its Brazilian App Store policy to match the country’s new gambling rules and remove operators that do not hold a local license.
Under the new policy, only gambling companies licensed by Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets will be allowed to offer fixed-odds wagering apps through the App Store. This means offshore or unlicensed operators could lose access to one of the country’s main mobile distribution channels.
To stay listed, operators must confirm the gambling status of their apps in App Store Connect. They also need to provide license details and submit supporting documents for review. This gives Apple a clearer way to separate licensed operators from apps that do not meet Brazil’s new gambling rules.
The policy change comes as Brazil continues to adjust to its regulated betting market, which officially launched in January 2025. The sector has attracted major operator interest, but it is also facing stronger political pressure.
In April, Brazilian lawmakers introduced Bill PL-1808/2026, which seeks to ban fixed-odds wagering.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also criticized online gambling and said he would prefer a full ban on the sector.
For licensed companies, Apple’s update may help create a cleaner market by limiting the reach of unapproved apps. For unlicensed operators, however, the change creates a serious barrier, especially in a market where many users access gambling products through mobile apps.
