Brazil’s Federal Government has begun using WhatsApp to directly warn citizens about the end of betting operations in the country.
The initiative includes sending messages to users with money held on betting platforms.
The message, sent through the official Gov.br WhatsApp channel, tells recipients that the provisional measure banning bets has been published and instructs them to withdraw their funds.
A similar initiative was also taken by the Government before the ban, promoting responsible gambling and the self-exclusion tool.
“If you have money on betting sites or apps, withdraw the amount by Monday, October 5,” the message says. It adds that users who cannot complete the withdrawal by then will have their money returned through banks by October 14.
The campaign began shortly after the Government published MP 1.394/2026, which prohibits the exploration, offering, intermediation and advertising of fixed-odds betting in Brazil.
Under the Government’s timetable, bettors have until 23:59 on October 5 to voluntarily withdraw their balances. From October 6, betting websites and apps are scheduled to go offline.
Between October 7 and 8, operators must provide financial institutions with information on remaining balances, with banks then responsible for returning the money between October 9 and 14. If banks are unable to complete a repayment, Caixa Econômica Federal will take over the process from October 14.
The move comes as authorities simultaneously step up enforcement against illegal operators, with thousands of betting domains targeted for removal and digital platforms being monitored for new betting activity.
The financial significance of the sector is also substantial. According to Federal Revenue, businesses classified as gambling generated BR9.91bn ($1.87bn) in federal tax revenue during the first eight months of 2026.
The self-exclusion tool has logged more than 1.2 million requests from users seeking to block themselves from betting platforms
