Brazilian authorities have blocked more than 39,000 illegal betting websites as part of an ongoing effort to tighten enforcement across the country’s gambling market.
The figure reflects a coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice and Brazil’s telecoms regulator Anatel, with internet service providers instructed to restrict access to unlicensed platforms operating in the country. The action is part of an attempt to limit the reach of operators that fall outside Brazil’s regulated betting framework.
In addition to website blocks, enforcement measures have also targeted the digital and financial infrastructure supporting these operations. Authorities confirmed that 203 unauthorized applications have been removed from circulation, while 1,665 notifications have been issued in connection with suspected irregular activity.
According to official data, 697 accounts linked to betting-related operations deemed suspicious have been closed following coordination with payment institutions and financial service providers. The aim is to disrupt the flow of funds that sustains illegal platforms, rather than relying solely on access restrictions.
"Brazil has established clear rules for the operation of fixed-odds betting, and there will be no room for those who try to operate outside this system or create structures to circumvent the legislation," says Finance Minister Dario Durigan.
Officials have repeatedly warned that unlicensed operators do not follow the safeguards required under Brazilian law, including mechanisms related to user identification, financial monitoring and consumer protection. As a result, users may face increased risks, including lack of payment guarantees and exposure to fraud.
Consumer protection body Senacon has also increased its involvement, focusing on identifying abusive practices and guiding users on how to verify whether a platform is authorized
