Brazil has expanded its fight against illegal betting operators with new rules that place influencers, brands and payment providers directly in regulators’ crosshairs.
Published this week through Ordinance No. 1,766/2026, the measure gives authorities additional tools to target the networks that help unauthorized operators reach customers and process payments, rather than focusing solely on the operators themselves.
Under the new framework, influencers who promote unlicensed betting platforms may be held liable for taxes associated with the gambling activity. The rules also extend to financial and payment institutions that continue processing transactions for illegal operators after receiving formal notification from the Ministry of Finance.
The move reflects a growing recognition that illegal betting businesses rely on a wider ecosystem of advertisers, affiliates and payment channels to remain active, even as regulators increase enforcement efforts against unlicensed brands.
Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), welcomed the measure, arguing that enforcement efforts must continue evolving alongside the illegal market.
“The illegal betting market operates with a high degree of technological sophistication and adapts very quickly,” he said.
“What works today may not be effective tomorrow. This fight needs to be continuous, coordinated and dynamic.”
According to Jorge, targeting those who support illegal operators financially and commercially could help reduce the competitive advantages enjoyed by unlicensed brands while encouraging consumers to migrate toward regulated platforms.
The ordinance builds on the SPA’s previously announced plans to tighten oversight of influencer betting advertising.
The new rules give authorities a clearer path to hold those actors accountable.
Brazil’s Senate Science and Technology Committee approved a bill that would prohibit advertising for fixed-odds betting and online gambling nationwide
