Brazil to Block 2,000 Unauthorised Gambling Sites

Is Brazil on the verge of reshaping its gambling market? Over 2,000 unauthorised gambling websites will be blocked from operating in Brazil starting today, as part of the government’s crackdown on illegal gambling ahead of the 2025 market regulation. The Ministry of Finance’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA) is leading this initiative, sending a clear message that only licensed operators will be allowed to operate. With a massive market overhaul on the horizon, how will these enforcement actions impact both players and operators? Read on to explore the critical steps Brazil is taking to regulate its gambling landscape.

Brazil Orders 2,000 Unauthorised Gambling Sites to be Blocked in Nationwide Crackdown

The Brazilian government has launched a major crackdown on illegal gambling websites, blocking over 2,000 unauthorised platforms in a sweeping action that began on 11 October 2024. The move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA), is part of Brazil’s effort to ensure only licensed operators remain in the country’s regulated gambling market, set to officially launch on 1 January 2025.

According to SPA Secretary Regis Dudena, the crackdown is crucial for protecting both the financial and mental well-being of Brazilian bettors. “It is very important for bettors to understand that, for the sake of their mental and financial health, it is better to be in a regulated environment,” Dudena said. He emphasized that partnering with illegal gambling operators puts players at risk of fraud and undermines the safety of the betting environment.

Illegal Sites Targeted for Blocking

The SPA has identified 2,040 suspicious domains, forwarding them to Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) for blocking. Anatel has begun the process of working with over 20,000 telecommunications companies to remove access to these sites. The timeline for blocking each site will vary depending on technical details, but Anatel President Carlos Baigorri assured that these sites would be blocked as quickly as possible.

While these unauthorised sites will be taken offline, Dudena also stated that it remains the responsibility of these companies to ensure players can withdraw any remaining funds. In addition, unauthorised gambling companies will be banned from advertising in Brazil, including prohibiting sponsorship deals with football clubs and other major events.

Regulated Market Preparations for 2025

As Brazil gears up for its fully regulated gambling market, only 96 authorised companies—operating a combined 210 brands—are allowed to continue accepting bets during this probationary period until December 2024. These operators are required to apply for an official licence and pay a R$30 million (€6.54 million) fee to secure their place in the newly regulated market.

Companies that have not yet applied for a licence but wish to continue operating in Brazil must submit their applications as soon as possible. The government has a 150-day window to review each application, followed by a 30-day period for operators to pay the necessary fees. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad emphasized that only licensed operators will be allowed to operate after the market launch on 1 January 2025.

During this period, the Ministry of Finance will closely monitor even those operators who are currently authorised to ensure they comply with the country’s laws. Violations could result in the termination of their application.

Protecting Bettors and the Industry

In an effort to safeguard Brazilian bettors, the Ministry of Finance is working to raise awareness about legal gambling options and the importance of betting responsibly. The ministry is focused on informing the public about which operators adhere to Brazilian law and which do not. Executive Secretary Dario Durigan emphasized that players should bet only on regulated platforms to protect themselves and the integrity of the market.

“We are working to publicise which sites respect Brazilian rules, will comply with the law, and will protect users,” Durigan said. He added that this enforcement effort is not only about regulating the industry but also about ensuring that players gamble responsibly for their enjoyment.

Brazil’s decision to block over 2,000 unauthorised gambling sites marks a decisive step in its ongoing effort to regulate the online gambling market. As the country prepares for its official market launch in 2025, the government is making clear that only licensed, compliant operators will be permitted to operate. The crackdown is designed to protect bettors and ensure the safety of the Brazilian gambling industry, while also addressing the challenges posed by the unregulated black market. As the country enters this probationary period, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the future of gambling in Brazil.