Sports betting in Brazil has been pretty popular over the years. According to a new survey by Pay4Fun, the first Central Bank of Brazil-approved payment institution dedicated to the iGaming and entertainment sector, online sports betting is quietly becoming the favourite pastime for Brazilians, especially after work.
Sports Betting in Brazil Peaks After 6 PM: All Key Details
- The study analysed thousands of aggregated and anonymous transactions from the biggest betting operators in Brazil between March and April 2025 and found that the highest volume of betting transactions occurs around 6 PM.
- The pattern also confirms that online betting has become a daily habit for a section of Brazilians, similar to using social media and streaming services, which record the highest use between 7 PM and 10 PM.
- This data allows industry stakeholders, operators, and regulators to understand how Brazilians interact with online betting. For example, operators can use this information to activate special promotions and capitalise on increased traffic.
Sports Betting Rivals Social Media and Streaming Services in Overall Popularity
Brazilians prefer gambling after work, and this habit has increased ever since online betting sites became accessible. An extensive survey by Pay4Fun analysed thousands of transactions at Brazil’s top-tier gambling sites between March and April 2205. The results showed that the highest concentration of online betting activity occurred between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with 6:00 PM being the busiest time of the day.
The peak coincides with two major events. First, the end of the working day for most Brazilians and second, the beginning of major national and international sports events and tournaments of the day. This level of engagement with the top sportsbook providers surpasses that of social media and streaming services in Brazil. According to Google’s search insights, activity on streaming services intensifies between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Survey results also show a significant growth in transaction volume during peak hours. For example, in March, peak transactions at 7:00 PM jumped 908.7% compared to 7:00 AM, the least busy time of the day. In April, the peak time recorded was 6:00 PM. Gambling activity increased by 1,235% compared to the lowest transaction volume recorded at 7:00 AM.
Leonardo Baptista, CEO and co-founder of Pay4Fun, explained that this data can help industry stakeholders understand the gambling patterns in Brazil:
These figures enable us to understand how Brazilians interact with online entertainment. Gambling has become a digital routine with a well-defined window — especially in the early evening.
While sports programs and tournaments aired in the evening are a leading cause for a spurt in betting activity, gambling operators also offer special promotions during this period to capitalise on the additional traffic. Sports betting volume starts increasing around noon and continues throughout the afternoon. Conversely, the lowest activity recorded is between 1:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
Regulated Betting Markets Fuel Growth
In light of its rising popularity, the Brazilian government has taken several measures to regulate the gambling market. While illicit gambling operators continue targeting Brazilian consumers, enforcement is slowly curbing their proliferation. Measures such as a ban on untargeted advertising, focus on responsible gambling practices, and self-exclusion measures have been introduced.
Although the regulatory reforms were introduced in 2018, the law came into effect earlier in 2025. The new framework, however, could set the tone for how online gambling is regulated in Latin American markets. One of the leading challenges in the region is the proliferation of unlicensed gambling operators. Brazil’s new governance framework could inspire other regulators to take charge.
Karn von Brockdorff, Chief Strategist at Wicked Games, recently hailed Brazil’s regulatory reforms, noting, “Emerging markets will have a huge role to play in 2025. Latin America, with Brazil at the forefront, is anticipated to experience significant growth.” Details of his insights can be found in the Ace Alliance Trendbook 2025.