Nexus International Eyes Brazil's iGaming Users as ARPU Forecast Tops $1,500

As Brazil's iGaming sector accelerates under its new regulatory framework, operators are not just targeting scale but also value. With average revenue per user (ARPU) projected to surpass $1,500 (approximately £1,100) by 2028, well above the Latin American regional average, Nexus International is positioning its multi-brand portfolio to capture the country's most lucrative demographic.

Brazil's population of 218 million makes it the largest iGaming opportunity in South America, but it is the combination of digital adoption and rising discretionary spending that has created the strongest draw for global operators. With 86.6% internet penetration and 97% smartphone usage, Brazil is inherently mobile-first. This has transformed betting and online casino experiences into mainstream digital entertainment.

Recent projections show the Brazilian iGaming market could more than double, from $4.9 billion (£3.6 billion) in 2024 to $10 (£7.4 billion) billion by 2029, supported by the January 2025 regulatory overhaul. Within that expansion, rising player spend accounts for nearly 80% of market growth, underlining the central role of higher-value users.

For Nexus International, which reported $546 million in H1 2025 revenue, a 110% increase year-on-year, Brazil represents both its largest single market and a proving ground for its growth strategy. Through its São Paulo hub, the company is focusing on tailoring engagement to the country's high-spending player segment, where betting habits are shaped by a mix of cultural affinity and digital convenience.

The operator's brand portfolio includes Spartans.com, a crypto-enabled sports betting platform with over 5,900 games; Lanistar, which has transitioned into gaming across Europe and Latin America; and Megaposta, which secured early licensing in Brazil's regulated market. Collectively, these platforms allow Nexus to capture spending across both sports and casino verticals, reflecting consumer preferences where 58% of growth comes from sports betting and 38% from online casinos.

With ARPU forecasts climbing, Nexus is placing increasing emphasis on retention and customer lifetime value rather than short-term acquisition. High-value users in Brazil are expected to demand more than simple betting interfaces, instead favouring platforms with broad game libraries, strong localisation, and seamless payment solutions.

By integrating local payment methods such as Pix, supporting Brazilian Portuguese across platforms, and employing robust KYC and multi-factor authentication systems, Nexus is aligning its offerings with both user expectations and regulatory requirements. The company's focus on fintech integration is designed to sustain engagement among top-spending cohorts, where incremental loyalty directly translates into outsized revenue contribution.

Brazil's iGaming market has already attracted global heavyweights such as Bet365 and Betsson, as well as domestic operators with strong local followings. Competition for Brazil's high-spending users is therefore intense, and differentiation is increasingly being driven by depth of offering, security, and customer trust.

Nexus's privately funded structure gives it an edge in execution speed, with decisions routed directly through founder and CEO Gurhan Kiziloz. Unlike publicly listed rivals, Nexus operates without a formal board or external capital, enabling agility in tailoring its approach to Brazil's unique market conditions.

If ARPU projections are realised, Brazil could become one of the most profitable iGaming markets globally, not just in terms of volume but also yield per player. Nexus's approach of targeting high-value cohorts, while building retention through localised product and payment integration, suggests it is preparing to compete at the premium end of the market.

The company has stated it will continue investing in platform improvements, product development, and market-specific brand strategies through the remainder of 2025. With Brazil expected to contribute a growing share of group revenue, the São Paulo hub is set to function as both a local operational base and a wider regional command centre for expansion into Latin America.