The Esportes da Sorte Group has expanded its operations in Brazil by acquiring Apostou.com, which runs BETBR Loterias. This operator is licensed by the Secretariat of Lotteris and Betting (SPA) and has a strong physical presence, particularly in Paraná. Alongside Apostou.com, the acquisition also encompasses two other brands: B1BET and BRBET. This strategic move enhances Esportes da Sorte's footprint in Brazil, the fifth-largest market for betting globally, while reaffirming its commitment to the regulated industry.
As the Brazilian betting market continues to grow, mergers and acquisitions, such as this one, have gained attention across the sector. In the first five months of 2026, the market generated almost BRL6 billion (approximately $1.2 billion) in revenue from regulated betting activities. This revenue includes a 12% tax on the gross gaming revenue (GGR) earned by operators, in addition to various corporate taxes (IRPJ, CSLL, PIS, and Cofins). Such financial dynamics have prompted major operators to increase interest in acquiring smaller brands.
Esportes da Sorte does not operate solely under its own brand but also manages Lottu and Onabet. Earlier in 2024, the group acquired a controlling stake in ST Soft Desenvolvimento de Programas de Computadores Ltda. This company owned a separate brand—also named Apostou—which had been accredited by Loterj since 2023.
Currently, Esportes Gaming Brasil holds a definitive license from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting since 2025, with two of its three brands ranked among Brazil's top betting operators. Blask’s rankings for Q1 2026 show Esportes da Sorte in sixth place, while Onabet ranks tenth. At the top is Betano, followed by bet365.
Before securing its national license, Esportes da Sorte had already acquired ST Soft, a firm with a Loterj license. This strategic move helped the group establish a foothold in the national marketplace while awaiting federal licensing. Firms licensed by Loterj could operate across Brazil based on the idea that Loterj's servers were centralized in Rio de Janeiro.
The transaction is currently under review by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), marked by Public Notice No. 464. The acquisition process is spearheaded by HS Gaming Participações, a subsidiary of Esportes Gaming Brasil.
The Brazilian betting landscape has remained attractive to significant players, both local and international. This includes Flutter Entertainment's acquisition of a controlling stake in Betnacional, which ranks seventh according to Blask, and that already operated the Betfair brand in the country. Likewise, Esportes da Sorte's acquisition of Apostou.com follows this trend of expanding operations within Brazil.
In another notable development, ANA Gaming, which owns brands such as 7K, Cassino, and Vera, has recently completed the acquisition of Aposta Tudo. This group has established itself as one of Brazil's most active in the market, having previously taken over Donald Bet and Ponto Bet.
