The Red Queen

What is The Red Queen?

Sun International attributed the land-based growth to investments in product and marketing, with land-based casino GGR growing 4.4%. The company launched 876 new slot machines and stadium games during the period.

Bengtsson said the land-based growth reflected Sun International’s “strong execution and sound investment decisions”.

Despite the revenue growth, land-based gross profit dipped 0.7% to R2 billion, largely due to the heightened investment in marketing.

About The Red Queen

Lula said he intends to discuss the matter with his team and analyse potential measures to consider the social impact of online betting.

What the president does not acknowledge is that the government relies on revenue from the sector. In just the first seven months of 2026, BRL8.747 billion generated by sports betting has already flowed into public coffers. The Federal Revenue Service estimates the total could reach BRL16 billion by the end of the year. In 2025, nearly BRL9 billion was collected from sportsbooks.

The burning question is where such funds will come from if Lula shuts down the betting industry. Yet, no one points out to him that players will simply migrate to the illegal market. Betting will continue to exist, but without formal tax revenue, oversight or player protections.

What is The Red Queen?

Brazil Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated the country does not depend on betting revenue to balance public accounts.

He said the regulation was well established and not with the intention of raising revenue.

“Tax collection is part of the economic game and all sectors contribute,” Durigan said. “The same happens with betting.”