Brazil: IBJR expands consumer education efforts 

The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has renewed its focus on consumer education, highlighting the differences between licensed betting operators and illegal platforms operating outside Brazil’s regulatory framework.

In a social media campaign titled “Myth vs. Truth”, the association sought to counter what it described as a common misconception that there is no meaningful distinction between regulated betting companies and unlicensed operators.

According to the IBJR, licensed operators must comply with a series of requirements established by Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), including the use of the .bet.br domain, identity verification measures such as facial recognition, responsible gambling tools and approved payment methods.

The campaign also promoted Bet Alert, an online verification platform developed by the association that allows consumers to check whether a betting site has been authorized by the Federal Government.

While industry representatives have increasingly invested in educational campaigns, one of the sector’s ongoing challenges remains translating regulatory concepts into messages that resonate beyond audiences already familiar with or supportive of betting activities.

Earlier this year, the IBJR appointed Carlos Lima as its new Executive President. In the role, he is expected to strengthen dialogue with regulators, policymakers and civil society while supporting the development of Brazil’s regulated betting environment.

The association has also recently criticized the Federal Government’s decision to restrict access to documents related to betting license approvals. 

The IBJR argued that transparency should remain a core element of Brazil’s regulatory framework and publicly opposed the restrictions, stating that openness is important for maintaining confidence in the licensed market.