Apple’s App Store now allows apps with fixed-odds betting features to be distributed in Brazil. To get their apps listed, developers must be able to show a valid license granted by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), which is the federal body within the Ministry of Finance.
This update was published on Apple Developer News on May 8. For legal operators, it changes the access process in one of Latin America’s most important regulated betting markets. Apple, in turn, gets an easier way to distinguish licensed companies and services from unlicensed ones.
The change is relevant for apps that are categorized as gambling products in App Store Connect. As per the statement made by Apple, developers that answer “Yes” while completing the age-rating form must provide the Brazilian license. This choice will also determine the app’s Brazil age rating as A18.
What Operators Must Submit
Apple is not viewing the change as a mere profile modification. Now, developers must submit a new build of the app for review. Changing only the App Review Information part will not initiate the process of license verification.
For this, the operator needs to provide license details in the App Review Information section, repeat them in Notes, and attach relevant documentation as well. In addition to this, Apple directed developers to adhere to the local rules on warning, disclosure, age limit, and gambling risk information.
Thus, product teams will now have a new task of compliance. Technical and legal staff will need to cooperate before submission, as missing or unclear license files can affect approval times.
Why Brazil Is a Key Market
Brazil introduced its regulated betting market in 2025, after the long-standing legal ambiguities around fixed-odds betting. According to the Ministry of Finance, the SPA is in charge of authorizing, regulating, monitoring, supervising, inspecting, and sanctioning companies in the sector.
Mobile access is essential for betting in Brazil. Based on Aposta Legal data, 98.64% of all accesses to betting sites occurred via mobile devices during Q1 2026.
For operators, iOS apps are useful in user onboarding, sign-in processes, account verification, CRM, and retention efforts. They also reduce reliance on browser-based access and PWAs. For regulators, app store access may help streamline regulation if only licensed brands are accepted through official channels.
What to Watch Next
The central issue is how fast licensed operators can clear Apple’s approval process and launch their apps. The other factor to consider is whether the policy helps reduce visibility for unlicensed products on iOS.
The Brazilian government has already paid attention to digital access, age controls, and the use of illegal betting sites. Apple’s update does not resolve these issues by itself. It does, however, give licensed operators an official way to enter one of the country’s key app distribution channels.
