A new study in Brazil has found that just over 22 million people have placed sports bets in the country in the last 30 days.
People aged 16 to 29 are the demographic most likely to participate in wagering, the DataSenado findings also reveal.
This age group accounted for 56 per cent of bettors questioned as part of DataSenado’s Panorama Político study.
The findings, as relayed by Senado Noticias, reveal that 13 per cent of Brazilians aged 16 or over have placed a bet in the past 30 days – the equivalent of 22.13 million people.
This is the first time betting has been covered by the study, which explores sentiments around topics being discussed in the Brazilian Senate.
Sports betting regulations have been finalised and are set to go live in the South American country on January 1 next year. However, topics such as sports betting advertising are now being raised by politicians.
Sixty-two per cent of the interviewees were male, with 38 per cent women. People aged between 40 and 49 account for 17 per cent of the bets placed.
The study revealed that 40 per cent of bettors have completed secondary education and that 68 per cent say they have a paid job.
Brazil's finance minister, Fernando Haddad, recently revealed to CBN that the federal government will introduce four main areas of keeping sports betting under strict control, with advertising among them.
In response, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming offered its "full support" for the statements.
"The four major fronts mentioned by the minister are fundamental to correct the distortions of the irregular market and protect Brazilian society," it said.
"We reiterate our support for the path being taken by the government and make ourselves available to collaborate with the authorities in the development of policies that protect consumers and strengthen the legal betting market in Brazil.
"We also reinforce that betting is a type of entertainment based on unpredictability, without the guarantee of financial gains."
Haddad also revealed that up to 600 betting sites which do not form part of the new regulations will soon be blocked, as part of an ordinance released by the Ministry of Finance in September.
He urged players playing with these sites to withdraw their funds.
