Durigan Backs Tougher Betting Rules Without Boosting Illegal Market
Brazil.- 25 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan has called for a tougher approach to online betting while warning that government measures must not push consumers towards illegal operators.
Durigan said authorities need to address the negative effects associated with betting while preserving a regulated market capable of competing with unlicensed platforms.
Tougher Rules Without Encouraging Illegal Activity
Durigan said he shares President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s concerns regarding the impact of betting.
However, he stressed that tighter controls need to be introduced responsibly.
The objective is to create a stricter framework without driving players towards platforms operating outside taxation, regulatory oversight and consumer-protection requirements.
Risks from Excessive Restrictions
The debate reflects warnings frequently raised by the regulated betting industry over excessively restrictive measures.
Potential concerns include:
- Broad advertising bans.
- Significant tax increases.
- Product limitations.
- Reduced competitiveness for licensed operators.
The industry argues that making regulated products significantly less attractive could encourage consumers to move towards offshore alternatives.
Treatment Similar to Tobacco
Durigan again supported treating betting in a similar way to tobacco from a prevention and communications perspective.
The minister believes commercial messaging should clearly communicate the risks associated with wagering.
The approach is intended to reduce perceptions of betting as a reliable way of earning money or improving personal finances.
Mandatory Advertising Warnings
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has recently introduced requirements for betting advertisements to carry warning messages.
Durigan said consumers should not be led to believe that gambling can provide systematic financial returns.
The policy is intended to embed prevention messages within commercial communications from licensed operators.
60,000 Illegal Websites Blocked
The minister also highlighted enforcement activity against unauthorised platforms.
Brazilian authorities have blocked approximately 60,000 illegal gambling websites.
The measure forms part of a wider strategy to channel consumers towards licensed operators and reduce access to companies operating outside the federal framework.
Restrictions for Indebted Consumers
Durigan also cited restrictions affecting individuals registered under Brazil’s Desenrola debt programme.
The measure seeks to prevent certain heavily indebted consumers from spending funds on betting platforms.
It forms part of a broader policy aimed at reducing the potential financial harm associated with gambling among vulnerable households.
Centralised Self-Exclusion
Brazil has also introduced a centralised self-exclusion tool.
The system allows users to request restrictions preventing them from accessing regulated betting platforms.
It is designed to strengthen consumer protection and provide a common mechanism for individuals who want to limit or stop their gambling activity.
Debate Over Pre-Regulation Period
Durigan noted that online betting operated for several years in Brazil without a fully implemented regulatory framework.
He said that between 2018 and 2023 betting companies significantly expanded their presence across football, advertising, broadcasting and other areas.
By the time the current administration took office, the industry had already established considerable commercial and political influence.
Betting Presence Across Football and Media
Pre-regulation growth enabled betting brands to establish extensive partnerships throughout Brazilian sport.
Clubs, confederations, broadcasters and other stakeholders developed commercial relationships with operators.
That expansion made any subsequent attempt to completely reverse the market a complex political, economic and regulatory issue.
Statements
Durigan said the Government must follow a “path of strictness” that addresses the sector’s negative impacts without encouraging illegal gambling.
He also reiterated that economic progress should be based on work and productive activity rather than expectations of making money through betting.
The minister supported warning messages that help consumers understand that, in aggregate terms, the economic advantage ultimately remains with the betting operator.
Industry Context
Brazil is continuing to consolidate its federally regulated fixed-odds betting market.
At the same time, debates continue over taxation, advertising, consumer protection, illegal gambling and the restrictions that should apply to licensed operators.
One of the central regulatory challenges is balancing stronger safeguards with the need to maintain effective channelisation towards the legal market.
Next Steps or Impact
Durigan’s comments indicate that Brazil will continue strengthening consumer-protection and enforcement measures without necessarily moving towards a complete betting ban.
Maintaining an appropriate balance between restrictions, enforcement and market competitiveness will be central to preventing consumers from migrating towards illegal operators.
Brazil’s strategy is expected to continue focusing on blocking unauthorised sites, improving consumer-protection tools and increasing requirements around betting advertising and licensed operations.
Editó: @fonta
