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Brazil prosecutors open Betboom inquiry over vulnerable bettor protections

The inquiry will examine Betboom's bonus conditions, loyalty practices and handling of self-exclusion requests as Brazil increases scrutiny of both licensed and illegal betting activity.

2 min read
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Key Points
MPDFT opens civil inquiry into Betboom's treatment of bettors showing signs of gambling-related harm
Prosecutors are examining rollover requirements, account management, prizes and the effectiveness of self-exclusion
Separate enforcement action resulted in 1,367 Facebook and Instagram pages and profiles promoting irregular betting platforms being ordered removed

Betboom is facing a civil inquiry in Brazil over allegations that its commercial practices failed to adequately protect consumers showing signs of gambling-related harm.

The Public Prosecutor's Office of the Federal District and Territories (MPDFT) opened the investigation after reviewing an individual lawsuit brought by a consumer diagnosed with pathological gambling disorder. Prosecutors said evidence from the case indicated a possible wider pattern involving the use of transactional data to classify bettors by economic potential and loyalty.

The inquiry will examine the use of personal account managers, bonuses and vouchers, alongside allegations that a vulnerable consumer received alcoholic beverages as a prize. It will also investigate whether requests for self-exclusion and account blocking were effective.

Betboom is an authorised operator in Brazil. Ministry of Finance records list Betboom Ltda as the licence holder for Betboom and Free, with its authorisation originally issued in December 2024 and amended in June 2026.

The operator's current terms state that bonus winnings can only be withdrawn after rollover requirements are completed. Prosecutors are examining whether those conditions comply with SPA/MF Ordinance No. 1,231/2024.

Betboom has been ordered to provide its responsible gambling policies, bettor risk-classification criteria, bonus terms, prize eligibility rules and records concerning self-exclusion and account blocking within 10 business days.

Brazil has continued to expand its player-protection framework. Its centralized self-exclusion system can block an individual from every SPA-authorized platform, prevent new registrations and stop targeted betting advertising.  

The Ministry of Finance said in August that people covered by self-exclusion and other betting restrictions formed part of a group representing roughly 10% of the 40 million active users registered in Sigap. 

Government targets 1,367 social media accounts promoting irregular betting

Separately, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security ordered the removal of 1,367 Facebook and Instagram pages and profiles used to promote irregular betting platforms.

Ciberlab identified 1,274 Facebook pages and 93 Instagram profiles carrying advertisements, videos and links directing users to irregular operators. Evidence was preserved for continuing investigations into those responsible for managing the accounts.

The action comes as the Brazilian Government considers further restrictions on the regulated betting sector. Reuters reported on September 24 that a provisional measure involving a potential prohibition remained under consideration, with government sources saying its final scope had not yet been settled.

Brazil's regulated market currently includes 85 authorised operators, according to the Ministry of Finance. Enforcement against the unlicensed sector has continued alongside tighter controls on legal operators, including new advertising requirements introduced in July. 

The latest measures follow ANJL research identifying 6,409 unlicensed betting domains accessible in Brazil during September, amid industry opposition to a possible prohibition of online betting.

Good to know

Betboom's responsible gambling policy was updated in May 2026 and sets out measures covering excessive gambling, vulnerable users and gambling-related harm

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