The Parallel Economy of Illegal Betting: An Invisible Risk to the Consumer
Brazil.– September 17, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com As Brazil advances in regulating the betting industry, a silent and persistent enemy threatens not only consumers but also the financial health of the sector and the balance of the national economy: the underground market.
The campaign “Chega de Bode na Sala” (“No More Elephant in the Room”), launched by the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), aims to alert society about the risks of unregulated online betting sites. Since August 31, the campaign has been broadcast on multiple fronts, from television programs to high-traffic areas such as airports. One of its highlights is Betalert, a platform that allows consumers to quickly verify whether the betting site they are using is properly regulated. In times when illegal sites already account for more than half of the country’s betting activity, this tool has become essential to ensure safe choices.
Nevertheless, the problem persists. These illegal platforms reappear almost instantly with new domains, bypassing blocks and operating without punishment—exposing the fragility of the system. The impact is real and falls on unprotected consumers, who remain vulnerable to fraud, match-fixing, and the absence of legal guarantees. In addition, illegality violates the Child and Adolescent Statute and other child protection regulations, as minors can easily access these platforms, an issue addressed in the latest IBJR campaign content.
Regulation alone is not enough to stop the advance of illegal betting. Constant oversight is needed, along with greater international cooperation to block sites and financial transactions, and investment in public awareness campaigns. The main beneficiary of stronger regulation is the customer, who gains a fairer, more transparent, and safer environment.
On the other hand, the regulated market is already showing signs of maturity, despite being relatively new. Currently, more than 181 betting companies are authorized by the Ministry of Finance. These companies are committed to responsible gaming practices, investing in technology, transparency, and initiatives to support users’ mental health. Some even provide free psychological assistance in partnership with academic institutions and offer tools for players to set time and spending limits—promoting more conscious entertainment.
Brazil’s betting industry is growing at a rapid pace, and the country is on its way to becoming one of the world’s largest hubs for this sector. In this context, there is no alternative: the future can only be built upon a regulated market.
Regulation ensures sustainability, generates around R$ 760 million per month in taxes, creates more than 60,000 direct jobs, protects consumers, and guarantees that ethical principles remain above financial gain. Outside of this framework, what exists is a predatory environment that erodes trust, weakens the economy, and harms society as a whole.
Responsible gaming has already become an essential practice for healthy entertainment. It is up to civil society, government, and authorized companies to work together to strengthen this path and build a market remembered for its effective contribution to the country. Ignoring the underground market means compromising the sector’s future and the economy. Facing it with intelligence, coordination, and courage is the only way to ensure that betting truly becomes a fair game for all.
By João Gerçossimo, CEO of EstrelaBet