Brazilian Industry Bodies Applaud Government's Crackdown on Illegal Betting Payments

Leading industry associations, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) and the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), have publicly endorsed the federal government's recent measures to combat illicit betting activities. The strategy focuses on disrupting the financial channels used by illegal operators, specifically targeting payment institutions.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently signed a decree implementing a series of actions designed to curb illegal gambling and bolster the regulated market within Brazil. For the ANJL, these steps signify a crucial advancement in safeguarding the legitimate sector. The association views these developments as a direct outcome of ongoing collaboration and dialogue between the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), licensed operators, and other stakeholders involved in the regulatory framework.

The scale of the challenge posed by unauthorized betting is significant. According to Justice Minister Wellington César Lima, an estimated 25.2 million Brazilians engage with illegal gambling websites. Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of the ANJL, emphasized that this figure underscores the necessity of the enhanced inspection measures. He stated, "The illegal betting industry exposes consumers to risks, evades taxes and generates unfair competition." Lemos Jorge further highlighted that the new decree strengthens the state's capacity to target not only rogue operators but also the infrastructure that facilitates their financial operations and outreach.

The IBJR expressed strong support for the federal government and the Ministries of Finance and Justice, specifically referencing Decree No 13,033/2026 and Ordinance No 1,766/2026. These regulations are designed to enable the blocking of funds linked to illegal betting and establish joint liability for financial institutions, payment processors, and advertisers regarding tax collection from unauthorized fixed-odds betting. The institute stressed that the establishment of a robust, regulated market in Brazil hinges on effectively stifling clandestine operations.

Research from the Locomotiva Institute, in collaboration with LCA, indicates that the illegal market in Brazil handles an astonishing BRL40 billion ($7.7 billion) annually. This illicit activity results in an estimated annual loss of BRL10.8 billion to public finances. Carlos Lima, President of the IBJR, commented, "These are resources that are no longer invested in priority areas for society." He added that such governmental initiatives are vital for increasing bettor safety, protecting compliant operators, and fostering the integrity and sustainability of the regulated sector, which operates under some of the world's most modern regulations. Both the IBJR and ANJL reiterate their commitment to continuous collaboration with authorities to foster a secure, transparent, and fully regulated betting environment across Brazil.