Brazil Strengthens Enforcement Against Illegal Betting Sites

Brazil is taking further steps to strengthen control over its betting sector with the signing of Cooperation Agreement No. 4/2025 between the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF), Anatel, and ANJL. The agreement aims to enhance detection and blocking of illegal online betting sites operating in the country.

Establishing a New Detection Laboratory
A key component of the agreement is the creation of a physical and virtual laboratory under ANJL, representing legally licensed operators. The lab will monitor and block illegal platforms, focusing not only on website addresses but also analyzing site architecture, internet routing and common cyber vulnerabilities used by unlicensed operators. This proactive approach ensures better enforcement against platforms that frequently change URLs to evade detection.

Expanding Existing Cooperation
The new accord builds on prior collaboration between SPA and Anatel, which allowed for quicker blocking of illegal fixed-odds betting sites. Since October 2025, SPA has requested Anatel to block approximately 18,000 illicit gambling websites, demonstrating the scale of the challenge. The lab and ANJL will now accelerate these processes and provide a more structured, transparent technical framework for enforcement.

Technology-Driven Enforcement
The agreement emphasizes enforcement through technical analysis rather than reactive measures. By identifying structural patterns in illegal platforms, authorities can detect and block recurring operations even if they appear under new domains. This approach reduces response times, limits opportunities for manipulation and strengthens consumer protection.

Safeguarding Consumers and Licensed Operators
Illegal betting platforms pose multiple risks, including operating outside regulatory oversight, avoiding taxes and offering no player protections. SPA, Anatel, and ANJL’s coordinated efforts send a clear signal that Brazil’s regulated betting market will be protected, ensuring a fairer and safer environment for both operators and players.

Maturing the Regulatory Framework
The agreement marks a shift from rule-setting to active supervision in Brazil’s betting market. Combining regulatory authority, telecommunications enforcement and industry expertise, authorities aim to make it increasingly difficult for illegal operators to access Brazilian consumers while fostering a transparent, secure and legally compliant betting ecosystem.