Dudena stated that the lists of irregular websites began to be forwarded last year to the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), which is responsible for effectively taking down the electronic addresses.
According to the Ministry of Finance, 68 companies have already been authorized to operate in the online gambling sector. A company can own more than one brand, that is, more than one website. They paid fees as part of the authorization process. This has generated R$2.1 billion (US$ 360m) for the public coffers so far.
As of January 1, only authorized websites can operate in the country. In addition, the government has started to promote inspection actions. So far, there have been 75.
“The objective criterion we chose was: companies that had already requested authorization by September could proceed and the others could not. As of January, only authorized companies will be able to operate,” stated Dudena.
Inspection and new rules
Inspection of the sector includes not only taking down clandestine websites, but also regulatory work to regularize the activity. According to Dudena, the government has issued 11 ordinances by July 2024 and is currently working on 14 more normative acts to provide greater transparency and control to the market.
The regulation also involves an ongoing process of authorization for companies that operate sports betting in Brazil. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, 349 authorization requests have been filed so far, 326 in 2024 and another 23 this year. The government has also analyzed 45,000 documents and granted 68 authorizations to companies.
Public consultation and sector participation
During the press conference, Dudena also announced a public consultation to discuss the regulation of sports betting and online casinos in 2025 and 2026. According to him, the initiative seeks to involve all sectors interested in creating clearer and more efficient legislation.
“This is a time when, instead of simply publishing a regulatory agenda, we bring points for consultation. So that everyone has the opportunity to say what they think,” explained the secretary.
The public consultation should address topics such as advertising rules, inspection and monitoring of financial transactions, as well as measures to prevent gambling addiction and ensure transparency in the sector.
Influencers in the spotlight
One of the government's new areas of inspection involves digital influencers who promote illegal betting houses. According to Dudena, 51 influencers have already been fined for advertising platforms without authorization to operate in Brazil.
Tightening advertising rules has been one of the government's focuses in regulating the sector. In 2023, the Treasury began a study to define stricter limits for betting advertisements, with the aim of curbing abuse and protecting consumers, especially young people and people vulnerable to gambling addiction.
The impact of regulation
By regulating sports betting, the government hopes to increase revenue and ensure that the sector operates within a safe and monitored environment. Currently, only companies that have requested authorization and complied with legal requirements can continue operating.
The expectation is that, with the public consultation and the new regulatory acts, the betting market will become more organized and transparent in the coming years, minimizing fraud and ensuring greater security for Brazilian bettors.
Next measures
Measures that the government is studying and will be subject to public consultation for new betting rules -
In 2025:
* Database of self-excluded citizens and those prohibited from betting.
* Mechanisms for the payment of image rights and other transfers.
* Rules for certifying suppliers of online gaming studios.
* Distinctive seal for authorized betting operators.
* Review of the regulation of commercial promotions.
* Review of the rules of the Instant Lottery (Lotex)
For 2026:
* Regulation of suppliers in the AQF market (game suppliers, platforms, etc.).
* Creation of a National Betting System.
* Consolidation and improvement of inspection procedures.
* Improvement of means of assistance and care for people with gambling disorders and their families.
* Review of the authorization process for AQF operators.
Source: g1
