Brazil��s poker boom discussed at SiGMA Americas 2025
On 9 April 2025, the Paulista stage at the BiS SiGMA Americas summit spotlighted one of Brazil��s fastest-growing gaming verticals: poker. The panel discussion, Poker in Brazil: Status and Updates, brought together industry leaders, operators, ambassadors, and content creators to unpack the multifaceted rise of poker in Brazil. Moderated by Ivonne Montealegre, Poker Tour Operations Manager at SiGMA Group, and supported by the SiGMA Poker Tour, the session served as a spirited examination of the legal, cultural, and commercial forces shaping the game��s ascent.
Joining the panel were Simon Isb?ck, Head of Poker at Cubeia Sweden; Lukas Robinson, professional player, streamer, and SiGMA Poker Tour Ambassador; Jon Vlogs, CEO of Jon Bet; and Ekaterina Giganova, Head of Marketing Communications at EvenBet Gaming.
Poker in Brazil is legal, prestigious, and flourishing
The conversation opened with a critical clarification. Poker is legally recognised as a game of skill in Brazil. This distinction ensures its exemption from recent gambling restrictions enacted in January 2025, placing poker on firm legal ground.
“This gives poker a lot of prestige and a great platform to be recognised as a legitimate vertical,” said Montealegre. ��Poker is a great tool to destigmatise the gambling landscape in Brazil.��
Jon Vlogs echoed the sentiment, attributing poker’s surging popularity to its blend of competitiveness, personal skill, and aspirational appeal.
��You learn that in poker, you have a little bit more of a chance of winning. It��s not about odds or running slots; it��s about you, by yourself, using skill.��
Influencers and content are key
Much of poker��s mainstream momentum in Brazil is credited to influencers, celebrities, and athletes who have embraced the game publicly.
��Neymar was one of the first to do it all out here,�� Jon noted. ��Now it��s streams, artists, tournaments�� It��s everywhere.��
Lukas Robinson highlighted the strength of Brazilian players in the online sphere: ��Whenever I see a Brazilian flag at the table, I know it��s going to be a battle. Some of the best poker players online are Brazilian.��
He also stressed the storytelling potential of poker content: ��You can write endless stories about poker. Unlike slots, poker has this aspirational factor, and people love the photo with the chips, the table, and the prestige of a win. It��s not just luck. These guys are disciplined and skilled.��
Online growth and the reality of regulation
Despite its legal status, the online poker segment in Brazil faces hurdles due to its unregulated classification. Giganova explained, ��Poker is legal, but online poker remains unregulated. Operators who offer regulated betting or 바카라 games cannot legally run unregulated poker at the same time.��
To address this, EvenBet is investing in alternative models.
��We’re seeing strong growth through sweepstake-style and social gaming solutions, especially in markets like the US and Brazil, where regulatory frameworks are still forming,�� she said.
Simon Isb?ck, comparing the Brazilian landscape with his native Sweden, noted the disparity, ��In Sweden, poker is still classified as gambling, and the stigma is strong. Influencer engagement is minimal, and even major 바카라s are shutting down poker rooms. Brazil, by contrast, is full of opportunity.��
Community, culture, and the value of safe platforms
Giganova also underscored the community-driven nature of poker in Brazil, ��Poker here is a community game. The influence of streamers and professional players is massive; they shape preferences and drive engagement in ways that can��t be measured just in ROI.��
However, she cautioned against grey-market operators.��바카라ers should be mindful of platform certifications, GLI, iTech Labs, BMM Testlabs, as well as data security (ISO 27001) and responsible gaming tools. Your data and your money must be safe.��
Networking, lifestyle, and the hobby argument
Jon Vlogs offered a fresh take on poker��s broader appeal: ��It��s not just about gambling, it��s about networking. I��ve closed deals at the table. I played with the DoorDash founder and ended up doing business with him later. Poker connects people.��
Robinson elaborated on poker��s positioning as a hobby. ��You pay to play football, to play golf, to go to the cinema. Poker is a hobby too, except it��s one of the only hobbies where you can potentially win money back.��
He also emphasised inclusivity, ��My fianc��e is playing her first-ever game at the women��s event. She was intimidated at first, but these events are perfect for new players. You don��t need to know everything; just come and enjoy the atmosphere.��
The road ahead for poker in Brazil
While poker already holds legal status in Brazil, the panel agreed that formal regulation for the online sector could be the next milestone. Montealegre summarised the case, ��Regulation offers protection. It provides a complaints mechanism, ensures fairness, and keeps players safe. That��s the future we want for poker.��
With the launch of the SiGMA Poker Tour in Brazil beginning at Monte Carlo Poker Club, the panel concluded with a call to action for attendees, ��Come join us, even just to watch. Free food, open bar, it��s about fun, connection, and community.��
In the words of Simon Isb?ck: ��Poker appeals to your competitive gene, not your gambling gene. And that makes all the difference.��
Poker Tour
Don��t miss out on the action at the SiGMA Poker Tour! Whether you’re in Brazil from 9th to 14th April or in Malta from 3rd to 7th September, ticket holders can access all the excitement.
Visit the Poker Lounge at the expo to find out how you can join the game. Plus, Platinum ticket holders can enjoy the exclusive EGT night, a special evening of poker and networking.
Get ready to be part of the action��register now and start your poker journey! For more details, visit SiGMA Poker Tour.
