21% of Brazilians with smartphones placed bets in the past year, study shows

A recent survey conducted by Mobile Time and Opinion Box reveals that 21% of Brazilians who own a smartphone placed at least one bet using betting apps in the last 12 months. The data shows a clear gender gap: 28% of men reported betting during this period, compared to just 16% of women.

Sports betting is particularly popular among younger users. In the 16–29 age group, 26% placed bets over the past year. This compares to 23% among those aged 30–49, and 16% among individuals aged 50 and over.

Unlike previous editions of the survey, the latest data no longer shows a higher concentration of betting activity among lower-income groups. The rate of participation is now relatively uniform across all social classes: 22% in classes A and B, 22% in class C, and 21% in classes D and E.

Nearly half (48%) of those who bet acknowledged losing more money than they won in the past year. Meanwhile, 30% said they came out ahead, and 22% reported breaking even.

Men reported slightly more success, with 34% claiming they won more than they lost, compared to 25% of women.

Confidence in betting outcomes was higher among younger users. In the 16–29 age group, 45% of bettors said they made a profit—though the survey suggests that optimism may not always align with reality.