Brazil's National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), the Ministry of Finance's Prizes and Betting Secretariat and the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen efforts against illegal gambling websites operating in the country.
Under the new partnership, ANJL will support the implementation of a specialised cyber laboratory designed to provide Anatel with enhanced technical capabilities for blocking unauthorised betting sites.
The facility aims to deliver faster and more reliable execution of website blocking orders issued by the Ministry of Finance's Prizes and Betting Secretariat.
The initiative builds upon an existing Technical Cooperation Agreement between Anatel and the Ministry of Finance, established in 2024 to streamline information sharing and expedite the blocking process for illegal fixed-odds betting platforms. The new cyber laboratory represents an expansion of these regulatory enforcement capabilities.
Anatel President Carlos Baigorri emphasised the collaborative nature of combating illegal gambling, stating: "Combating illegal betting requires a joint effort from the Government and the regulated sector. It's crucial to create effective technological barriers, but also to raise awareness not to bet on illegal platforms. This agreement is a decisive step in that direction."
Régis Dudena, Secretary of Prizes and Betting at the Ministry of Finance, added: "Tackling illegal betting is a priority. Having the support of a representative entity like the National Association of Games and Lotteries is important to strengthen Anatel's operations and ensure a more honest and fair market."
The enhanced technical infrastructure aims to enable more agile, transparent and robust blocking procedures, supporting broader regulatory oversight objectives in the Brazilian market.
