Brazil: Anatel has already blocked more than 18,000 illegal betting sites

In December, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA-MF) announced an agreement with Anatel to accelerate the blocking of platforms offering unauthorized fixed-odds betting, establishing a faster and more direct flow of information between the institutions.

Expanded digital measures

The crackdown has also moved into the digital sphere. Last month, the Attorney General's Office (AGU) notified Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to remove ads from unauthorized betting operators. The agency identified "hundreds of instances" of irregular advertising in the company's paid ad library.

In July, the SPA-MF and the Digital Council of Brazil signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the fight against illegality, with joint actions focused on the prevention, detection, and removal of betting content that violates national legislation.

The role of the financial sector

Experts argue that one of the most effective ways to curb the illegal market is to cut off financial operations for clandestine platforms.

"We have seen an increase in the number of fintechs created solely to serve unregulated foreign websites. The only effective solution is for the Central Bank to intervene in the operations of these companies," says Igor Sá, CMO and COO of HiperBet.

In the same vein, João Fraga, CEO of the techfin Paag, stresses: "Without financial channels, illegal operations lose their ability to function. It is critical that all payment facilitators work exclusively with regulated operators".

Vinicius Nogueira, CEO of BETesporte, adds: "The fight requires significant effort, investment, and technology from regulatory agencies. It is not easy, but it is essential to protect public safety and ensure fair competition".

Billion-dollar losses and consumer risks

A study by LCA Consultores, in partnership with the Locomotiva Institute and supported by the IBJR, estimates that Brazil loses R$10.8 billion per year due to the illegal betting market. The survey also revealed that:

• 61% of respondents placed bets on irregular websites in 2025;
• 78% reported difficulty distinguishing between legal and illegal platforms;
• 72% said they cannot verify the legitimacy of betting operators;
• 73% admitted to using at least one illegal platform this year.

According to Alex Rose, CEO of InPlaySoft: "The sector contributes to the economy, generates jobs, and pays taxes. But excessive taxation can drive users toward illegal operators".

Bernardo Cavalcanti Freire, legal advisor to the ANJL, adds: "In addition to defrauding public coffers, these platforms expose players without any guarantees of security or data protection".

The importance of regulation and oversight

Representatives of regulated companies emphasize the need for stronger enforcement against the illegal market.

Fellipe Fraga, CBO of EstrelaBet, notes: "We have already generated more than R$3 billion in the first five months of 2025. But we could go even further if there were more effective action against the illegal market".

Talita Lacerda, COO of the Ana Gaming Group, adds: "Blocking clandestine sites strengthens the credibility of the sector and protects consumers".

Daniel Fortune, a responsible gaming digital influencer, highlights: "With the growth of online betting, it is urgent to promote a culture of education, awareness, and support for players".