The Most Popular Online Games and Top Casino Genres in Brazil
The gaming industry in Brazil is a rapidly growing sector, with online casino games becoming a popular form of entertainment. A recently published industry study delves into the market trends and player preferences, with particular emphasis on online casinos operating in Brazil.
Market experts point out that, despite legal uncertainties, online games for real money have thrived in emerging markets, with India and Brazil as emblematic cases. Affordable technology and globalized gaming products boost the sector, while the growing middle class and overall expansion of target demographics amplify the gaming market pool.
The latest iGaming research findings focus on the most popular games and player motivation, including the impact of post-pandemic gaming habits.
The Expanding Horizons of Online Gaming in Brazil
Brazil ranks as the 5th largest gamer market globally, with over 100 million players, and the 10th largest in terms of value, estimated at USD 2.7 billion in 2021. The online casino segment is particularly intriguing, with a diverse range of games attracting an ever-broader spectrum of players.
The number of internet users in Brazil has grown from 67.47 million in 2010 to 149.06 million in 2020.
Along with this we’ve seen an increase in online gamers, from 35.3 million in 2012 to 75.7 million in 2020.
By 2023, the total estimate for real-money gamers has risen to 106 million, including those using offline and informal/illegal gaming channels
Key Factors Influencing the Popularity of Real-Money Games Online:
Accessibility of digital and mobile entertainment
A young population with a passion for gaming and more disposable income
Post-pandemic consumption habits favoring online entertainment
Popular Online Games in Brazil
The most popular online games in 2021 were Free Fire, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
Online casinos in Brazil have also grown in popularity, with games such as roulette, card games, table games, slots – and lately crash games – being the most popular.
The popularity of online gaming in Brazil is seen in the sheer variety of available games. Most multiplayer and casual titles are popular across demographics. The freemium distribution model is particularly favored by the younger players.
Top Casino Games in Brazil
Data Source: KTO-Group.com
By 2021 online casinos were already half as popular as traditional state lotteries in Brazil. The most popular online casino games include:
Crash Games: These games have the highest number of active players and generate the most turnover.
Slots: Popular due to their simplicity and quick gameplay, slots have the highest number of game rounds played.
Roulette: A classic casino game, roulette has a stable share of player interest.
Game Shows: A relatively new genre, game shows are favored by nearly 20% of active users.
Gaming Consumption – Patterns and Preferences
Brazilian players exhibit diverse gaming behaviors and preferences. Some key observations from in-depth industry studies include:
Players often engage with multiple game genres;
High Return to Player (RTP) games are preferred, with most top-rated games reporting higher than average RTPs;
Live dealer versions of games are more popular than simple virtual settings, offering a more immersive and realistic gaming experience – 9 out of the top 15 most successful games in Brazil are live casino titles;
There is a growing demand for light and quick-play games, appealing to all generations and consumer types.
Younger generations enjoy traditional casino games but are the biggest driver of growth for new genres like Crash Games.
Game studios tend to adapt very quickly to market trends by offering a mix of traditional and new-age genres.
Top casino game providers by rounds played. Source: KTO.com
Economic Impact of the Gaming Industry in Brazil
Brazilians spent USD 2.3 billion on games in 2020, with some estimates citing figures as high as USD 10 billion (BRL 10 billion), including clandestine channels.
The gaming industry contributes to the economy through job creation, tax revenue, and foreign investment.
Tens of thousands are legally employed in the gaming industry in Brazil but an even greater number of operators employ foreign nationals until legislators adopt clear regulatory standards.
The Impact of Legislation on Gaming Trends
The legal landscape of gaming in Brazil has been complex and fraught with challenges. In the late 1990s, the government attempted to regulate gaming, but by 2004, the industry returned to its unregulated state. This has led to a thriving illegal market, estimated to be worth as much as BRL 20 billion (USD 3.8 billion).
The rise of online gaming has further complicated the situation. The internet has made it possible for Brazilians to access international online casinos, which operate in a legal gray area. As a result, the online gaming market in Brazil is largely unregulated.
The legalization of sports betting and fixed odds real-money gaming has given rise to investments and hopes of a more sustainable industry future.
iGaming Market Prospects
The future of the online gaming industry in Brazil looks promising, with a continued expansion driven by socio-economic growth factors. The government's ability to address the need for regulation and the threat of unlicensed operations will be crucial in shaping the future of the online gaming industry in Brazil.
The Brazilian online casino scene is dynamic and continuously evolving. The popularity of real-money games is influenced by various factors, including the legitimacy of operations in Brazil, changes in player preferences, and technological advancements.
The iGaming industry reacts well, adopting new emerging genres and following generational and global trends. As the market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve and what new developments will shape the future of online gambling in Brazil.