ANJL President Cautions Against Complacency on Illegal Betting as Brazil's Regulated Market Surges

The regulated betting market in Brazil has demonstrated significant expansion, with tax revenues nearly doubling in the first five months of the year compared to the same period in 2025. Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), noted that collections rose from R$3.1 billion between January and May 2025 to R$5.89 billion in the corresponding period of 2026. He attributed this growth to the consolidation of the regulated sector and its positive impact on society through tax contributions.

According to Lemos Jorge, the 2026 World Cup, the first to take place since Brazil's betting market was regulated, likely provided an additional boost to June figures, which have not yet been officially released. "It was the first World Cup played with the Brazilian market already regulated," he said. Authorised operators adhered to strict rules set by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) regarding integrity, advertising, and communication. In-person activations at bars, restaurants, and fan initiatives helped digital brands create tangible experiences for consumers, he added.

New federal advertising regulations have been welcomed by the ANJL as an extra layer of protection for both bettors and operators. However, Lemos Jorge criticised municipal bans on advertising in public spaces, arguing that the Federal Constitution reserves authority over commercial advertising for the federal government. "Divergent local rules could create legislative confusion and legal uncertainty for operators," he stated. He suggested that self-regulation, developed jointly with the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gambling (IBJR) and the National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (Conar), is already robust.

Looking ahead to the upcoming elections, Lemos Jorge anticipates increased political pressure on betting companies as candidates target the industry. He called for resilience and a continued commitment to responsible gaming, predicting that criticism will likely diminish once the electoral period passes.

The most pressing challenge remains illegal betting websites, which still account for a substantial share of the market. Lemos Jorge warned that this share could expand if regulations become too burdensome. "We cannot let our guard down," he declared. He noted that the government has recognised the need to combat illegal operations, and the ANJL's monitoring laboratory, in partnership with Anatel and the SPA, serves as a central hub for intelligence and technical analysis.