ANJL supports federal crackdown as authorities say 25.2 million Brazilians use irregular betting platforms

Around 25.2 million Brazilians use irregular betting platforms, according to data released by Minister of Justice and Public Security Wellington César Lima, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing authorities as the federal government moves to expand action against illegal operators.

The figures were announced along with new measures by the federal government to expand the fight against illegal betting companies.

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) said these measures strengthen the regulated market and increase pressure on the clandestine sector. The association also said holding agents that collaborate with irregular platforms accountable represents an important step in weakening the underground market and improving consumer protection.

ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge said the figures presented by the government justify stronger inspection and monitoring measures. He noted that illegal operators continue to adjust their methods quickly, requiring a sustained response from authorities and regulated-market participants.

“Combating the illegal betting market is a permanent challenge. The clandestine industry operates with a high degree of technological sophistication and adapts very quickly, which prevents any definitive assessment of the sufficiency of the measures adopted," Lemos Jorge stated.

"What works today may no longer be effective tomorrow. Therefore, this confrontation needs to be continuous, coordinated and dynamic.”

The association supported the new decree expanding the capacity of public authorities to act against illegal operators, including structures linked to the dissemination and financial support of these operations.

“These actions are essential to weaken the underground market and encourage the migration of bettors to regulated and supervised environments. The more difficult it is for these platforms to operate, the greater the protection of consumers and the more balanced the competitive environment will be," Lemos Jorge added.

The association also pointed to the role of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets in coordinating efforts against the irregular market, consolidating regulations and developing mechanisms intended to make state action more efficient.

Lemos Jorge said the results announced by the government reflect cooperation between institutions and an expanded ability to monitor and analyze the betting sector.

Lemos Jorge explained: “The numbers and advances presented today by the government are the result of work developed jointly between SPA, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) and ANJL."

ANJL said its support for the federal government’s latest actions follows continued cooperation between SPA, sector representatives and other bodies involved in regulation.

"The advances we are observing are the result of an environment of dialogue and institutional cooperation that made it possible to gather information, develop tools and expand the capacity to understand the activities of illegal operators in the country.”