A new ruling requires institutions to freeze accounts linked to illegal betting operations within 24 hours.
Made by Brazil’s National Monetary Council (CMN), the ruling states institutions must act swiftly after receiving a notification from the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA).
The resolution, which will come into force on 28 August 2026, applies to current accounts, savings accounts, prepaid payment accounts and registered accounts held by operators identified as offering unauthorized betting services.
The measure follows a decree signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva authorizing the SPA to issue formal notices identifying illegal betting operations. Once notified, financial institutions must immediately block access to the accounts and prevent transactions involving funds intended, directly or indirectly, for betting activities.
Under the new framework, money held in blocked accounts will remain unavailable while administrative or judicial proceedings are ongoing.
Accounts may be released if an administrative decision ultimately rules in favour of the account holder or after the funds have been converted into a judicial deposit, as provided under the decree.
However, if a court confirms the forfeiture of the assets, financial institutions must close the accounts and transfer the funds to Brazil’s National Public Security Fund.
The CMN, which approved the resolution, is chaired by Finance Minister Dario Durigan and also includes Central Bank President Gabriel Galípolo and Planning and Budget Minister Bruno Moretti.
Earlier this week, the Government introduced Ordinance No. 1,766/2026, extending potential liability beyond unlicensed operators to influencers, advertisers and payment providers that continue supporting illegal betting businesses after official notification.
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance recently faced criticism after a responsible gambling social media campaign encouraged consumers to bet responsibly
