Brazil Blocks Over 19,000 Illegal Betting Websites

Brazil legal betting market is live, but enforcement work keeps accelerating. New data shows regulators chasing a large shadow market that still operates outside the rules, using blocked websites, social media promotions, and irregular payment channels to reach bettors.

Good to Know

• Brazil blocked more than 19,000 illegal betting URLs in 2025
• Hundreds of social media pages and posts tied to illegal betting were removed
• Authorities also targeted bank accounts and payment companies

Brazil Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, known as SPA and linked to the Ministry of Finance, has blocked 19,180 URLs tied to illegal betting services. The figures came to light after Pay4Fun obtained official data through a Freedom of Information request filed with the ministry.

The enforcement push comes as the regulated betting framework, which entered force in 2025, faces constant pressure from operators that ignore licensing rules. SPA has repeatedly warned that illegal platforms skip key obligations such as security standards, tax payments, and player protection measures.

Blocking access remains a core tactic, but regulators are now widening the scope of enforcement beyond websites alone.

Crackdown Expands to Ads and Social Media

Authorities also focused on how illegal betting reaches players online. Between January and September 2025, at least 242 pages and profiles were taken down for promoting unauthorized betting advertising. Over the same period, officials removed 182 individual posts linked to irregular betting activity.

The figures highlight how marketing channels play a central role in keeping offshore betting visible, even after formal regulation began. Regulators view these removals as essential to limit reach and reduce confusion among players about which platforms operate legally.

Payment Flows Come Under Pressure

Enforcement efforts extended into the financial system. Official documents show that between March and September, 483 bank accounts connected to individuals and legal entities were closed due to suspected links with unauthorized betting operations.

Payment institutions also entered the spotlight. SPA notified 22 companies over potential maintenance of irregular accounts. According to the Ministry of Finance, those notices led to further account closures and additional information sharing to support investigations that are still ongoing.

The report points to cooperation from the financial sector as a key part of the strategy.

Financial Institutions Flag Irregular Activity

Banks, payment firms, and digital platforms reported suspicious activity throughout the year. In total, 36 institutions submitted alerts to authorities during the period reviewed. Complaints filed after September 15 remain under analysis.

Officials say that cooperation helps regulators track illegal betting flows faster and limit unfair advantages enjoyed by unlicensed operators.

Leonardo Baptista, CEO and co founder of Pay4Fun, said the data underlines how large the illegal market remains, even after regulation began.

“The data show that the illegal market remains very large, and it is impossible to consolidate a billion-dollar sector while most operations remain outside oversight,” he said. “Combating irregular financial flows and expanding regulation to land-based gambling are clear priorities for the second year of the law.”

Baptista also warned against ignoring existing activity.

“Failing to regulate what already exists does not reduce the activity; it only prevents the State from monitoring, collecting revenue, and protecting bettors,” he said.

The Ministry of Finance said the combined measures aim to reduce unfair competition between licensed operators and illegal services. Officials also framed enforcement as a way to strengthen confidence in the regulated market while protecting consumers.

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