ANJL Warns That New Restrictions on Online Betting Could Strengthen Illegal Market in Brazil

In a statement released to the press, the association — which represents fixed-odds betting operators authorized to operate in the country — said the debate emerged following recent political signals about the possibility of imposing additional restrictions on the operation of licensed platforms.

Illegal market still represents half of all bets

According to the association, the adoption of more restrictive measures for regulated companies could create opportunities for clandestine operators. Data cited by ANJL, attributed to Instituto Esfera, indicate that approximately 52% of bets placed in Brazil still occur on illegal platforms.

The association states that these operators act without government oversight and do not apply basic consumer protection mechanisms. Among the main risks highlighted are the absence of controls to prevent underage access, the lack of tools to prevent excessive debt, and the absence of anti-money laundering policies.

The entity also mentioned investigations conducted by security forces that identified links between illegal betting operations and money-laundering schemes associated with organized crime.

Fiscal impact could reach R$ 80 billion

Another point highlighted by ANJL concerns the economic impact of potential restrictions on the regulated market. According to data from the Ministry of Finance cited by the association, a contraction of the formal sector could lead to tax revenue losses of up to R$ 80 billion over the next five years.

Part of these resources, under the current model, would be allocated to public policies such as public security and social programs. The association argues that the illegal market, by contrast, does not pay taxes or contribute to government initiatives.

The sector also notes that authorized operators have already paid around R$ 2.6 billion in licensing fees to enter the regulated system.

Regulatory framework includes responsible gaming mechanisms

The association emphasizes that the current regulatory framework was structured after extensive debate in Congress and later regulated through rules issued by the Ministry of Finance. Requirements imposed on authorized companies include tools to monitor bettor behavior, self-exclusion systems, and controls to prevent access by minors.

These measures form part of the responsible gaming policy aimed at reducing risks associated with compulsive gambling and indebtedness.

Official government data for 2025 indicate that the average monthly spending of Brazilian bettors is around R$ 110, while approximately 95% of users spend less than R$ 70 per month, according to information cited by the association.

Sector calls for regulatory stability

Beyond tax revenue, ANJL highlights that the regulated betting industry supports an economic chain that includes technology, marketing, compliance, payment methods, and sports sponsorships. According to industry estimates, the market has the potential to generate up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country.

Amid the ongoing political debate over possible changes to the legislation, the association says it remains open to dialogue with the government. For the entity, any regulatory revision should prioritize the fight against illegal betting and the preservation of legal certainty for licensed operators, who have already made significant investments to operate in the Brazilian market.