The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has expressed concern about some indications that Brazil might be considering the imposition of additional restrictions on legal online betting platforms.
In a statement to the press, the association drew attention to the threats that a change in the current regulation of the betting market in Brazil might have a potential negative impact. They cautioned that the deregulation of the market might lead to a significant increase in the number of illegal betting platforms that do not provide consumer protection measures. As per the Ministry of Finance, if the ANJL revises its policy, there could be a tax revenue loss of approximately BRL 80 billion over the next five years, which in turn, would adversely impact public security investments as provided for in PEC 18/2025.
Economic and Legal Risks of Banning Legal Platforms
Besides the economic repercussions, the ban on legal betting operations might trigger the filing of multiple lawsuits. Betting firms that are currently operating legally and have made significant investments in the Brazilian market could initiate actions for compensation, punitively with respect to their total payment of BRL 2.6 billion in licensing fees to the government.
The ANJL also pointed out that illegal betting is a serious risk. According to the Instituto Esfera, almost 52% of the time people spend betting in Brazil is done on illegal platforms. Not only do these sites let kids gamble, but they also don’t even try to stop those who suffer from gambling addiction. Moreover, they are linked to organized crime and money laundering activities.
Contrarily, the licensed operators must undergo rigorous government inspections and adhere to responsible gaming practices. Data from the Ministry of Finance for 2025 indicate that about 95% of the gamblers in Brazil bet less than BRL 70 on average per month, with the average betting amount being BRL 110, implying that they mostly play lightly.
Lessons from Abroad and ANJL’s Stance
The committee cited foreign examples, e.g. Germany and the Netherlands, where setting strict restrictions on online gambling failed to eradicate illegal gambling. Apparently, these countries made progress only after relaxing very stringent measures and making regulated sites more accessible.
ANJL once again expressed its readiness to work with the federal government in sharing technical expertise and skills in order to enhance the regulatory framework. The association emphasized that the real target ought to be the illegal betting market, not the enforcement of stricter measures on duly licensed operators. “Restrictions imposed by law tend to stimulate illegal practices, ” the association remarked.
