Brazil’s Anatel blocks additional illegal sites taking tally above 5,200

Brazil’s Ministry of Finance Takes Strong Stand Against Illegal Gambling: Over 5,200 Domains Blocked

In a decisive move to combat illegal gambling operations, Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has ordered the country’s telecommunications regulatory agency, Anatel, to block an additional 1,812 illegal gambling domains. This recent action marks a significant escalation in efforts to safeguard the integrity of the country’s gambling landscape, pushing the total number of blocked sites to over 5,200. The enforcement of such measures indicates the Brazilian government’s commitment to establishing a well-regulated and responsible gambling environment ahead of the anticipated launch of the legal betting market on January 1, 2025.

This latest directive represents the third round of domain blockages mandated by the Ministry’s Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). Following the initial list submitted on October 11, which included 2,040 domains featuring notable operators such as Boylesports and Tabcorp, and a subsequent batch of 1,400 sites sent on October 31, the current initiative underscores the proactive stance being adopted to eliminate unlicensed gambling offerings within Brazil’s borders.

The operators targeted in these listings have either applied for a betting license—complying with the SPA’s October deadline—or continued to operate without licensure prior to this date. These stringent actions highlight the government’s rigorous enforcement strategy designed to protect consumers and promote fair play in the gaming industry.

As part of this extensive regulatory operation, Anatel has dispatched the blocking orders to approximately 20,000 telecommunications providers across Brazil. The agency’s mandate includes monitoring the effective and prompt enforcement of these blockages, as stated in a recent announcement on November 20. Notably, only 100 operators and 223 brands have secured SPA approval to conduct business prior to the legalization of the gambling market, thereby categorizing all other domains as illegal and subjecting them to immediate removal.

Measures Beyond Domain Blocking: Safeguarding Brazilian Players

In addition to blocking illicit gambling sites, the Brazilian government is proactively implementing measures to protect players from potential gambling-related harms as the legal market draws near. Following a two-day hearing at the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Justice Minister Luis Fux’s emergency decree has effectively banned betting on social welfare and prohibits advertisement campaigns aimed at minors. These provisions were initially slated for introduction on January 1, 2025, but the court’s ruling has expedited their enforcement, raising the standard of protection for vulnerable groups.

Moreover, Brazil’s National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon) has advocated for a comprehensive ban on all marketing strategies related to gambling, including enticing betting bonuses. This preliminary request reinforces the government’s objective to ensure responsible betting practices are embedded within the forthcoming legal market framework.

Escalating Scrutiny on Brazil’s Betting Sector

The introduction of these regulatory measures comes amid heightened concerns regarding the societal effects of gambling in Brazil. The Federal Supreme Court’s hearing followed a pivotal appeal from the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services, and Tourism, the nation’s third-largest trade union, which has urged for a review of Brazil’s gambling laws over constitutional considerations.

The decision to prohibit betting on social welfare arose after the Central Bank of Brazil reported that a staggering 20% of funds from the Bolsa Família program—designed to support low-income families—were expended on online gambling activities in August. This alarming statistic has galvanized support from various stakeholders in the industry, including the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), which has characterized the measures as both “positive and necessary” for fostering a safe gaming environment.

As Brazil prepares for the official launch of its regulated gambling market, it is clear that a comprehensive and responsible approach to regulation is vital. The government’s multi-faceted strategy—bolstered by ongoing dialogue among industry stakeholders—is crucial in mitigating risks associated with unregulated gambling and promoting a sustainable future for authorized operators and players alike.