Brazilian Authorities Collaborate with Tech Companies to Combat Illegal Gambling
Brazil Strengthens Efforts Against Illegal Online Gambling
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has joined forces with the Digital Council of Brazil through a formal agreement aimed at tackling illegal online gambling activities. This partnership signifies the country’s stronger push to regulate its growing online gambling market by bringing together government regulators and leading technology companies to identify and remove unlawful gambling content.
A Common Objective: Ensuring a Safe and Regulated Gambling Environment
The cooperation centers on improving enforcement capabilities within Brazil’s expanding fixed-odds betting sector. Under this framework, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) will collaborate closely with Digital Council members, which include major platforms such as Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, and Kwai. Together, they will share information, accelerate the removal of illegal content, and coordinate efforts to curb unauthorized advertisements and gambling operations.
Regis Dudena, president of the SPA, praised this collaboration as essential to fulfilling the regulator’s mandate. By working alongside prominent digital platforms, authorities aim to better protect consumers from harmful content and support licensed operators in maintaining competitiveness, thereby fostering a responsible and sustainable gambling market.
“Since the Secretary of Prizes and Bets started its work, we have intensified our efforts to tackle this intertwined connection with the digital world,” remarked Regis Dudena.
Government Focus on Accountability and Market Integrity
Eliminating illegal gambling is a declared priority for Brazil’s current administration. President Lula has emphasized the necessity for licensed operators to conduct their business honestly and responsibly to avoid damaging the credibility of the regulated market. Increasing consumer grievances against even well-known operators highlight the urgent need for the industry to demonstrate transparency and integrity.
Heightened Measures Against Unlawful Gambling Operators
The agreement outlines four main goals: stronger enforcement against unlicensed gambling operators, improved protections for minors, clearer advertising guidelines, and real-time communication channels between regulatory bodies and digital platforms. Felipe França, executive director of the Digital Council, expressed strong support for these initiatives, acknowledging that effective regulation requires ongoing technical cooperation and institutional alignment.
“The agreement with the SPA depends on the understanding that regulating betting, particularly in the digital space, demands more than rules—it requires technical collaboration, coordinated actions, and continuous dialogue,” said Felipe França.
Swift Action Against Illegal Gambling Networks
The timing of the collaboration is noteworthy. Recently, Brazilian federal police dismantled a major illegal gambling operation masking itself as a legitimate business. Authorities seized approximately BRL 30 million (about 5 million USD) in assets and uncovered documentation linking a licensed entity to prior criminal activities.
By partnering with the Digital Council, Brazilian authorities have reinforced their firm stance against illegal gambling. This alliance grants officials the capacity to quickly flag and remove unlawful gambling content identified by government agencies or external watchdogs. Despite these advances, the SPA faces an ongoing challenge to keep up with rapid market growth and the evolving tactics of illicit operators.