The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) and the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) have endorsed the federal government's recent measures against illegal betting. President Lula signed a decree on Friday aimed at strengthening the regulated market by restricting payment institutions linked to unlicensed operators.
According to Justice Minister Wellington César Lima, approximately 25.2 million Brazilians currently use illegal betting websites. ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge stated that this figure highlights the scale of the challenge. He noted that the unregulated sector exposes consumers to risks, evades taxes, and creates unfair competition for compliant companies.
Regulatory Measures and Future Outlook
The new regulations, including Decree No 13,033/2026 and Ordinance No 1,766/2026, establish mechanisms for blocking funds from illegal operations. Financial institutions and advertisers now share liability for tax collection regarding irregular fixed-odds betting. The ANJL emphasized that the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) played a key role in developing these tools through institutional cooperation.
Lemos Jorge added that the clandestine industry adapts quickly due to high technological sophistication, requiring a continuous and dynamic response from authorities. The organizations view the current actions as a necessary step toward consolidating a healthy and regulated market environment in Brazil.