Brazil to block 1,443 unauthorized betting sites in regulatory crackdown

The Brazilian Ministry of Finance has directed the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to block 1,443 online betting and iGaming platforms that failed to meet the September 17 deadline for authorization requests. This initiative, aimed at halting the operations of unauthorized betting sites, marks the second wave of site blockings by the government as it moves towards a regulated betting industry.

The latest list was issued by the Prizes and Bets Secretariat (SPA) within the Ministry of Finance and was sent to Anatel on October 31. In response, Anatel will notify approximately 21,000 telecommunications companies, including internet service providers, throughout Brazil. The process of site blocking will occur incrementally over several days, as each company implements the directive.

This recent move follows an initial list of 2,027 sites, sent on October 11, also flagged for not complying with authorization requirements. To date, neither the Ministry of Finance nor Anatel has published these lists publicly on their respective websites, though they continue to update a registry of authorized operators.

The Brazilian government has been progressively implementing new regulatory measures within the online betting sector. The SPA, created specifically to oversee these activities, has established a set of rules for betting operations, especially during this transitional period. These regulations are designed to foster fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure that all gaming companies contribute appropriately to tax revenues.

Currently, 219 authorized betting platforms, representing 100 different companies, are permitted to operate legally across Brazil. As of October 18, this approved list includes additional companies in states such as Paraná, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraíba.

The Ministry of Finance has stated that a definitive list of fully authorized companies will be made available by the end of December, with January 1 marking the official start of the fully regulated market. From that date forward, only approved operators will be legally allowed to offer betting services within Brazilian territory.

The negative list of banned companies is a lengthier process, as the Ministry must provide specific legal justification for each denied authorization. This approach is intended to strengthen the regulatory framework and establish a clear precedent for industry compliance.

Companies interested in seeking authorization to operate in Brazil may still submit requests through the Betting Management System (SIGAP). However, until their applications are reviewed and approved, unlicensed sites remain subject to blockage.