The betting market in Brazil is going through a delicate moment. According to ANJL (National Association of Games and Lotteries), more than 2 thousand illegal betting websites remain active in the country. This reality highlights the fragility of blocking mechanisms and calls into question the effectiveness of sector regulation.
In October, the Ministry of Treasury ordered the blocking of unauthorized betting websites. Therefore, since the 11th, platforms must follow SPA-MF Ordinance No. 1,475/2024 to operate legally.
Current law faces limitations
But, despite the initiatives, Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency) pointed out limitations in the current legislation. Carlos Baigorri, president of the agency, said that he will recommend to the CPI das Bets a review of the law that regulates betting shops in the country.
In an interview with Folha de São Paulo, Baigorri stated that, as it stands, the rule does not allow Anatel to block the approximately 5,200 illegal websites identified by the Ministry of Treasury. In other words, the lack of more effective legal instruments compromises efforts to combat the operation of unregulated platforms.
Alarming growth of illegal betting websites
ANJL shares Baigorri’s concerns. In a statement, the entity highlighted the growing risk represented by the proliferation of clandestine websites. Thus, for the president of ANJL, Plínio Lemos Jorge, without more effective action, it will be impossible to separate the “wheat from the chaff” in this market.
“The industry needs an effective response. Serious, legal sites will not be able to withstand competition from illegal sites.” – declared Jorge in a note to Folha de São Paulo. He also praised the efforts of the Ministry of Treasury and Anatel, but reinforced that the sector requires more practical and forceful solutions.
The presence of illegal betting websites doesn’t just affect tax revenue. It also puts the sustainability of companies that operate legally at risk. According to experts, without effective blocking mechanisms, the Brazilian market could lose credibility and make it difficult to attract investments.
Revision of legislation, therefore, appears as a priority for the sector. Meanwhile, legalized bookmakers face a challenging scenario, marked by unfair competition and regulatory uncertainty.
