The Brazilian Ministry of Finance has directed the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to block 1,443 online gambling and betting websites as part of its ongoing efforts to create a regulated betting sector. These sites failed to submit their authorization requests by the September 17 deadline. The government’s second round of limitations targeted at stopping illegal betting businesses in Brazil is represented by this initiative.
Incremental Blocking Process in Motion
On October 31, the Ministry’s Prizes and Bets Secretariat (SPA) issued the latest list of unlicensed sites to Anatel, which in turn will distribute the information to about 21,000 telecom companies across Brazil. These companies, including various internet service providers, will begin the blocking process over several days to ensure the directive reaches full compliance.
This move follows an initial wave of 2,027 blocked sites identified on October 11 for failing to meet licensing requirements. The Ministry of Finance and Anatel have refrained from making the blocked site lists publicly available online, although they do update a registry listing operators authorized to offer betting services in Brazil.
Brazil has been implementing progressive regulatory measures for online betting, with the SPA at the forefront of overseeing compliance. In this transitional period, the SPA has issued a set of regulations intended to safeguard consumers, foster fair industry competition, and ensure proper tax contributions from all gaming companies.
Currently, 219 authorized platforms across Brazil, representing 100 distinct companies, have received government approval to operate. This includes companies authorized within specific states like Paraná, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, and Paraíba. The Ministry has announced plans to publish a definitive list of fully authorized betting platforms by the end of December. Starting January 1, only operators on this list will be permitted to legally offer betting services in Brazil.
For unlicensed operators, the Ministry’s negative list remains a more gradual process, requiring detailed legal justifications for each blocked site. This method aims to reinforce a strong regulatory framework and create a clear standard for industry compliance.
Meanwhile, companies interested in gaining approval to operate can still submit applications through the Betting Management System (SIGAP). However, platforms without approval remain at risk of immediate blockage until their applications are processed and accepted.
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