What is the Ballon d’Or?

One of the most prestigious awards in the world’s most popular sport, the Ballon d’Or has been awarded annually by France Football magazine since 1956. The award considers individual performance, titles won, and influence on the game to determine who was the best football player in the world each year.

The award’s top winner is Lionel Messi, who has claimed eight Ballon d’Or trophies, including the 2023 award. He is followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the honor five times, while the third position is shared by Dutch legends Johan Cruijff and Marco van Basten, and Frenchman Michel Platini.

Among Brazilians, five players have won the award. Ronaldo Fenômeno is the only Brazilian with two Ballon d’Or trophies, won in 1997 and 2002. Rivaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Kaká have also reached the top of the award, and it seems that in 2024, Brazil is poised to add another trophy.

Brazil at the Top

For 2024, betting houses place Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid’s forward, as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or. In one operator’s listing, the Brazilian has odds of 1.33 to take the award, while Spain’s Rodri, a Manchester City midfielder, comes in second with odds of 3.25. Vinicius’s teammate, England’s Jude Bellingham, is the third most likely winner, paying 15 to 1 on a popular betting site.

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With the 2024 season already past its halfway point, the battle against relegation to Serie B is becoming more intense, with every point making a difference for teams threatened with the drop. At some bookmakers, it is still possible to place bets on which teams will be relegated, with odds updated after each round.

Who Will Go Down?

The worst situation in the championship belongs to Atlético-GO, a team that has only accumulated 18 points in 24 matches played. Considering there are 38 matches in the season, the team from Goiás is the favorite to be one of the four relegated teams. At one betting site, the team has odds of just 1.04 to play in Serie B next year.

In the second-to-last position, also with 18 points but with only 22 matches played, Cuiabá has the second-highest probability of relegation according to a platform accessed, offering odds of 1.18. Vitória, a team from Bahia with 22 points and 23 matches played, follows on the same platform with odds of 1.30.

The battle becomes tighter from there, with the situation evolving match by match. In 18th place at the time of this article’s publication, with 22 points in 23 matches played, Corinthians appears as the fourth most likely team to be relegated, with odds of 1.90, and will need to count on the support of its large fan base to turn things around.

On one platform consulted, fifth place is shared by two southern teams. Criciúma, currently in 14th place with 25 points in 21 matches, has odds of 3.10, as does Juventude, currently in 11th place with 28 points in 23 matches. Following them are Grêmio with odds of 3.75, and Fluminense with odds of 5.50.

As with any sports betting market, it is crucial to follow the principles of responsible gambling, avoiding betting amounts that would strain your budget. Especially if one of the teams involved is your own, it’s wise to exercise extra caution not to let emotions take over. Additionally, researching the remaining fixtures for each team and expert projections can help make a more informed bet.

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Each license costs R$ 30 million, potentially generating R$ 3.39 billion in revenue for the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF) if all applications are approved. Each license allows the operation of up to three betting sites, known as “bets,” which could result in up to 339 brands. The application process includes meeting criteria related to legal qualification, tax and labor regularity, integrity, economic-financial qualification, and technical qualification.

Companies wishing to operate in the Brazilian market can still apply for a license. However, the review period will be up to 180 days. On the other hand, for the 108 companies that submitted the 113 license applications, the SPA/MF has committed to providing a response by the end of the year, which would allow them to operate in the regulated market starting in 2025.

According to “Agência Gov”, Regis Dudena, the Secretary of Prizes and Betting of the MF, considers that the number of applications exceeded expectations. “The conclusion of the initial phase of the authorization process, with this significant number of applications, was a success,” said Dudena. “The Ministry of Finance has been working intensively on regulation and has established strict criteria for the protection of bettors and market rules. The sector responded positively, showing that there are many serious companies that intend to operate while respecting the legislation, which is the best way to meet the personal, social, and economic needs of the activity.”

The rules defined for the exploitation of the activity in the country will come into effect on January 1, 2025. From that moment on, sites operating without a license will be penalized. For those whose authorization applications are successful, the adoption of the “.bet.br” domain will be mandatory. Additionally, brands must adhere to various rules concerning payment methods, anti-money laundering, responsible gambling, among others. The SPA/MF will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the law.

Dudena also spoke about the new phase the market will enter starting next year. For companies without a license, even advertising and sponsorships will be prohibited. “The period without rules is coming to an end,” said the secretary, according to “Agência Gov”. “With the completion of the adjustment phase, the market has already understood that there is only one way to operate nationally in Brazil: by complying with the law and the rules, respecting people, and with authorization from the Ministry of Finance.”

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More recently, eSports, or electronic sports, have also become part of the catalog of many sports betting sites, expanding users’ options. In recent years, another option that has also been gaining ground is virtual sports, which are different from eSports and stand out for their virtually unlimited availability.

What Are Virtual Sports?

While in eSports, human competitors face each other in some type of game, virtual sports consist of simulations of matches and competitions in various modalities. In a popular operator, for example, the virtual sports section offers football, American football, tennis, motor racing, darts, horse racing, golf, baseball, cycling, and more.

Based on algorithms and statistics, the matches are simulated, and users can bet on the final result. The performance of the teams is determined by an RNG (Random Number Generator) system. Additionally, there are also market options available in traditional sports, such as over/under, Asian handicap, and other alternatives.

Since no humans are involved in the competition, virtual sports can be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The duration is also short, with football matches lasting between 1 to 3 minutes, for example. This makes it easier for bettors, who have markets available in a quick experience but also requires care to maintain a healthy relationship with the modality and stay within the limits of responsible gambling.

Conclusion

In practice, virtual sports have several similarities to casino games, where a random algorithm determines the outcome of the match and allows users to bet on the competition. In other words, winning or losing is determined only by luck. This differs from sports betting, which is placed on a real match involving humans, where users can conduct research and analyze real situations to make their predictions.

After gaining space in recent years, virtual sports are now present on many sports betting sites, offering an extra and flexible option for users. On the other hand, it is important to choose a reliable site with the necessary security and transparency to bet on this type of game since it is merely a simulation and not a real sporting event. As with everything that involves the sports betting market, it is essential to pay attention to the limits that must be followed so that the practice remains a form of entertainment and does not become harmful to bettors.

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There are various factors through which sports betting brands can differentiate themselves from their competitors. One crucial aspect is the user experience when navigating the “bets” options. Therefore, operators should consider using a dedicated app or developing responsive websites.

What Are Responsive Websites and Their Importance

Responsive websites are those that adapt to the device through which the user is accessing them. Thus, whether on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, regardless of the screen size, users can have a good browsing experience thanks to the automatic adjustment of the site’s layout, buttons, menus, and more. In recent years, the use of responsive websites has become a standard expectation among consumers in various areas.

In the past, before the widespread use of mobile devices, websites typically maintained the same layout and settings across all devices. This often required users to zoom in on specific areas, click on buttons that were too small for the screen, among other issues that negatively impacted the user experience.

For this reason, for brands that do not have a dedicated app, developing a responsive website is an important tool for retaining players. Another point to consider is that loading speed is also optimized on responsive sites, resulting in a faster and more efficient experience. This is even more crucial for bettors who enjoy live betting, where time can be a critical factor.

The App Option

In addition to responsive websites, another option used by sports betting operators is creating their own apps, which can also offer several advantages. As with websites, apps provide smooth and intuitive navigation, already adapted to different devices and even customizable by the user with settings for favorite sports or markets, for example.

Another advantage of apps is allowing the bettor to set up personalized alerts or receive desired push notifications. Whether for websites or apps, it is important to have strong security measures, such as encryption, to protect customer data. A good browsing experience and a well-functioning app also help convey a sense of professionalism and trust from the operator.

In the payment processing area, sites can rely on StarsPay to ensure fast and secure solutions in various countries across the Latin American market. With our intelligent API, you can receive and send payments anywhere in LATAM, regardless of where you are based. Additionally, we ensure strict compliance with KYC regulations, protecting your operations and your customers.

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In Brazil, CBLOL (Brazilian Championship of League of Legends) is the event that most captures the attention of the game’s fans. For instance, this Sunday (18th), an important playoff match for the second split of the season will take place, featuring a clash between paiN Gaming and Vivo Keyd Stars. Using this match as an example, learn more about some of the main betting markets available for the game.

Match Winner

This is the simplest and most popular market, where you bet on who will win the game, which in this case is a best-of-five maps series. PaiN Gaming is favored on one betting platform consulted, with odds of 1.53 compared to 2.37 for Vivo Keyd.

Handicap

In this case, where the match involves a best-of-five maps series, it’s also possible to bet on the handicap. PaiN Gaming has odds of 2.20 for a -1.5 handicap, which would require a 3-0 or 3-1 victory to be successful, while Vivo Keyd’s +1.5 handicap pays 1.61 to 1.

Over/Under

You can also bet on the over/under line for the number of maps played. In the example match, a betting platform set the line at 4.5, with odds of 1.44 for the under and 2.62 for the over, which would only be reached if the match goes the full distance, ending in a 3-2 for one of the teams.

Map Betting

In addition to betting on the overall match winner, some operators also offer bets on the result of each map. In the first map of the paiN Gaming vs. Vivo Keyd matchup, for instance, paiN is still favored, but with odds of 1.66 compared to 2.10, slightly closer than the overall match odds.

Number of Kills and First Blood

During the game, the “champions,” the characters used by players, can be killed multiple times by opponents, in what are called “kills.” Thus, one available line is the total number of kills in a map, combining both teams, or even the kill handicap. Additionally, another option is to bet on which team will get the “first blood,” meaning the first kill in a map.

Dragons, Barons, Inhibitors, and Towers

The game also features objectives that can be captured by teams, such as the “Baron,” different types of “Dragons,” and the destruction of towers and inhibitors, which are essential to winning a match. Therefore, these markets can also be found with some operators, either in over/under lines for a map or on which team will achieve a specific objective.

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In addition to the love for the sport, the NFL’s return also brings a wealth of opportunities for those who enjoy sports betting. NFL betting is among the most popular, offering many different market options. For those interested in futures bets, for example, there are various betting alternatives, involving the outcomes of conferences and divisions, the Super Bowl, specific teams, or even individual player performances. Check out some of the options below:

Super Bowl Champion

The Super Bowl is the grand finale of the NFL, determining the season champion, and one of the most popular bets before the games begin. According to one betting site, the favorites are the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, both with odds of 6.50. The Baltimore Ravens follow, paying 10 to 1, followed by the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals, each with odds of 13. It’s worth noting that, on this platform, the bet is an “each-way” bet (learn how it works), which pays 50% of the odds if the chosen team finishes second.

Division and Conference Champions

Besides the overall season champion, you can bet on which teams will win their Conferences (National and American) or their Divisions (North, South, East, and West in each conference, eight in total). In the divisions market on a popular platform, the favorites are the Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chiefs, Eagles, Lions, Falcons, and 49ers. Depending on the operator, you can also place a bet on the exact order of the division at the end of the season, predicting the final standings of the four teams in each division.

Team Performance

For those who are specialists in a specific team or have a well-founded opinion on their favorite team, it is possible to bet on each franchise’s performance. During the regular season, each team has a set win line, and you can bet on the over/under for that number. Another option is to predict whether the team will make the playoffs, the decisive phase of the competition.

MVP

MVP stands for “Most Valuable Player.” In the NFL, this award is given to the player who stands out the most during the season and is also a popular betting target. For 2024/25, one betting site lists Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs as the favorite, paying 6 to 1, while Josh Allen of the Bills pays 9 to 1, and Joe Burrow of the Bengals follows with odds of 10.

Individual Performances

In this category, there are plenty of alternatives for betting on specific players’ performances. In a football scenario full of statistics, many top athletes are options on betting platforms based on their season numbers. This includes:

• Passing yards
• Receiving yards
• Rushing yards
• Touchdowns
• Sacks
• Interceptions
• Receptions
• Points scored
• Tackles
• Among others…

Notable marks, such as whether a player will exceed 1,000 rushing or receiving yards in the year, can also be betting targets. There are also special markets for rookie players, those competing in their first NFL season, about whom there is often a lot of expectation.

Curious Markets

There are also several less common markets for those who want to bet on the NFL. Some examples include how many yards the longest field goal or the longest run of the season will be. You can also bet on which team will have the worst performance or which division the Super Bowl winner will come from, as well as the highest number of passing yards in a single game.

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Although the Brazilian scene has yet to produce a name as prominent as the Bahian pugilist, boxing continues to stir up sports betting markets. Therefore, it’s worth learning more about the types of “bets” that can be placed on a boxing match, which remains present on several of the main online gaming platforms available in Brazil. Here’s the list:

Bet on the Winner

The simplest and most common type of bet, wagering on the winner, is also known as “Moneyline” and involves simply predicting who will win the fight, regardless of the method of victory or the fight’s duration, for example. One of the upcoming notable fights, Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois, is set for September 21, with Joshua as the clear favorite. On one site consulted, his odds for victory are 1.22 against 4.33 for Dubois.

Method of Victory

Besides predicting who will win, it’s also possible to place a bet on the method of victory. Typically, the options are “Decision or technical decision” and “Knockout (KO), Technical Knockout (TKO), or Disqualification (DQ),” with the latter being more likely in the aforementioned fight. For example, a Joshua win by knockout pays 1.44. If Dubois wins by technical decision, on the other hand, the odds are 13. A rare draw also offers a significant reward, paying 17 to 1 on a consulted platform.

Over/Under on Number of Rounds

The number of rounds (or bouts) in a fight can also be a target for betting on various sites, with different types of predictions possible. In the Joshua vs. Dubois match, the task is tough, as 12 rounds are scheduled. In this case, the over/under line is set at 7.5 rounds, with a slight advantage for the fight lasting longer than that, paying 1.80 versus 1.90 for the under.

Victory in Exact Rounds

Another option is to accurately predict in which round the fight will end. Some markets require also predicting which fighter will win in the specified round, while others focus only on which round the fight will conclude. For example, a Joshua win in the first round pays 29 to 1 on a popular platform.

Will the Fight Go the Distance?

Another market available in several operators involves predicting whether the fight will go the distance, meaning if all 12 rounds will be fought in the Joshua vs. Dubois match. On a popular betting site, “No” is the clear favorite, with odds of 1.25, compared to odds of 3.75 for “Yes.”

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Customer Care

Especially in the current Brazilian betting scene, where consumers can choose from numerous options, a bad experience can be enough to make a user switch platforms. After all, nothing is worse than encountering a problem—whether it’s with deposits, login, or questions about a bet, for example—and feeling like you didn’t receive a satisfactory response from the operator. Support is also important for security, as it can confirm if a contact was legitimate, for example.

Therefore, several factors need to be considered by brands that want to gain traction among Brazilian audiences. One important point is offering support in Brazilian Portuguese, communicating with customers in their native language. Availability is also crucial. With time zone differences and many available sports and competitions, users can place a bet at almost any time of day. This is why a customer service operation that runs 24/7 is a significant advantage.

Common Methods

The leading sports betting platforms offer some common support methods. The most popular is live chat, which stands out for its convenience and speed. Through it, users have direct contact with a representative and can resolve simple issues quickly, especially if the service is available 24 hours a day. The use of bots at the start of the conversation is also common, helping to triage issues and streamline the support process.

Another widely used option is support via email. With this method, it is natural for the response to take a bit longer, as the representative is not communicating with the user in real-time. However, it is an important alternative for issues that may be more complex and require escalation to a higher level. Operators can also use customer feedback to proactively address potential bugs that are pointed out through this contact.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are also available for support on some sites, although this method is less popular than the ones mentioned above. In addition to customer communication, these sites also have “FAQ” sections, or “Frequently Asked Questions.” By creating a comprehensive section that answers various possible queries, platforms can reduce the number of users needing to contact support, especially for simple issues.

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According to the document itself, “The Betting Management System – SIGAP allows legal entities interested in obtaining a license to operate the fixed-odds betting lottery nationwide to submit the respective application, as well as enables betting operators to send data related to their operations to the Department of Prizes and Betting.” This system is available in a web environment, uses the internet as a communication medium, and employs appropriate resources to ensure the security of the data received from betting operators.

The files containing the betting data must be submitted daily, with the exception of the operators’ monthly report, by 6 AM the following day. “It is worth noting that the operator can submit files throughout the reference day, thus avoiding a buildup of traffic in a short time window,” explains the manual.

The document also defined the terms regarding the processing of the received files, which “will undergo two distinct phases: file structure analysis and analysis of the quality of the submitted data. The details of each phase of this process are provided in the API web manual made available by Serpro. It is important to emphasize that files will only be considered submitted by the operators after they have undergone these analyses.”

It is also important to remember that through SIGAP, operators must apply for a license to operate in Brazil, in a mandatory registration that involves submitting the necessary documents. In July, SPA/MF had already published a system access guide to assist companies with the functionalities of the SIGAP authorization module. Also available on the SPA/MF website is a spreadsheet that operators can use as a template for data submission.

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