TLDR Brazil’s government issued a provisional measure on Sept. 25 banning online betting, and Flutter Entertainment stopped operations in the country. Flutter estimates staying out of Brazil through the end of 2026 would cut revenue by about $70 million and adjusted EBITDA by around $20 million. SOFTSWISS released its 2027 iGaming Trends Report near Lisbon, putting global online gambling revenue at $349 billion in 2026. The report says 85% of betting and gaming companies use AI, but the industry’s AI maturity score is only 45 out of 100. Brazil’s Congress must approve or amend the ban within 120 days, and Flutter is reviewing its options, including a possible appeal.
SOFTSWISS released its fifth annual iGaming Trends Report at an invite-only media event near Lisbon, Portugal. The launch took place on the eve of the SBC Summit.
Speakers from SOFTSWISS, AWS, Pentasia and Google joined the panel. CNN’s Elliott Gotkine moderated the discussion, which covered AI, compliance and new growth markets.
The report puts global online gambling gross gaming revenue at $349 billion in 2026. SOFTSWISS forecasts the market will keep growing.
Alexandra Kavelich, Deputy CMO at SOFTSWISS, said the industry’s fast growth is starting to slow. The company views this as a sign that the sector is maturing.
Brazil Ban Hits Flutter Entertainment
Much of the discussion turned to Brazil. On Sept. 25, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government issued a provisional measure banning online betting.
Flutter Entertainment responded by stopping both sports betting and iGaming operations in the country. Congress must approve or amend the measure within 120 days for it to stay in effect.
Flutter estimates that staying out of Brazil through the end of 2026 would cut revenue by about $70 million. It would also reduce adjusted EBITDA by around $20 million.
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