Federal decree strengthens fight against unlicensed illegal gambling
The Brazilian government is intensifying its offensive against illegal online gambling. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree that expands the capabilities for inspection and repression against unauthorized betting platforms in the country, marking a significant milestone in the consolidation of the regulated market.
The new measure enables the blocking of bank accounts, the interruption of financial transactions, and the seizure of assets from operators functioning without a license. These instruments aim to dismantle the economic structure of the clandestine industry, limiting its capital flows and reducing its operational viability. The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Wellington César Lima, estimated that approximately 25.2 million Brazilians currently use illegal betting sites.
The main entities in the regulated sector supported the initiative. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling (IBJR) celebrated the decree as a fundamental advance in protecting the legal market. Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of ANJL, highlighted that the clandestine industry exposes consumers to significant risks, evades taxes, and creates unfair competition for licensed operators.
The measure is the result of coordinated work between the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) and other government agencies. In recent months, Brazil has intensified efforts to combat illegal gambling through website blockages, sanctions against influencers promoting clandestine platforms, and stricter regulations for financial entities that process payments for unlicensed operators.
In Latin America, the strengthening of inspection mechanisms reflects a regional trend towards the consolidation of regulated markets. Other countries such as Peru, Colombia, and Argentina face similar challenges in combating illegal competition while seeking to protect consumers and increase tax revenue. The Brazilian model of using financial instruments to dismantle illegal operations is increasingly being adopted as a regional strategy.
Tags: Brazil regulation, illegal gambling Brazil, regulated market