ABRAJOGO Defends Regulated Market Amid Possible New Restrictions

Brazil.- 18 September 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Brazilian Association of International Gaming Operators and Providers, ABRAJOGO, has published an open letter defending Brazil‘s regulated fixed-odds betting market amid debate over possible new restrictions being considered by the federal government.

The association argues that weaknesses in the current framework should be addressed through regulatory improvements, enforcement and public policy, while warning that weakening the authorised market would not necessarily eliminate consumer demand for betting.

Response to Possible Provisional Measure

The letter was issued while the government considers a potential Provisional Measure that could introduce additional restrictions on betting and online gaming.

No final official text has yet been published, leaving the scope of any future measure uncertain.

ABRAJOGO is asking policymakers to take account of the rules, investments and commitments already made by licensed businesses.

Formally Regulated Market

The association stresses that Brazil is no longer dealing with an unregulated activity.

Since 1 January 2025, only companies authorised by the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting can operate nationally within the federal fixed-odds betting market.

Authorised platforms use .bet.br domains.

85 Authorised Companies

According to figures cited by ABRAJOGO, SPA currently lists 85 companies authorised to provide fixed-odds betting.

Each authorisation requires a R$30 million licence payment, allows up to three brands and is valid for five years.

The association uses these figures to demonstrate the degree of formalisation achieved since the regulatory framework took effect.

Distinguishing Legal and Illegal Operators

One of ABRAJOGO’s central arguments is that regulation provides the state with a clear mechanism for separating compliant businesses from unlicensed operators.

Authorised companies are subject to requirements covering licensing, payments, compliance, responsible gambling, integrity, advertising and anti-money laundering.

Illegal platforms remain outside those controls.

Association Recognises Existing Risks

ABRAJOGO acknowledges that betting creates issues requiring public intervention.

It highlights areas including:

• Problem gambling.
• Indebtedness.
• Protection of vulnerable people.
• Responsible advertising.
• Sports integrity.
• Anti-money laundering.

The association argues these issues should be addressed using evidence, enforcement and targeted public policies.

Warning on Consumer Demand

The organisation challenges the assumption that reducing the legal market would automatically reduce demand for gambling.

Its position is that some consumers could continue seeking betting products through websites operating outside Brazil‘s regulated system.

This remains an industry view advanced by the association as part of the regulatory debate.

Concern Over Illegal-Market Growth

ABRAJOGO argues that excessive restrictions on licensed supply could increase the space available to illegal operators.

It says such platforms are more difficult for authorities to supervise because they remain outside the accountability mechanisms imposed on licensed companies.

Improve Rules Rather Than Dismantle Them

The letter supports continued regulatory reform.

ABRAJOGO says weaknesses should be corrected and rules updated where necessary.

At the same time, it calls for tougher enforcement against businesses operating without authorisation.

Investment Under the New Framework

The association also points to the investments made by companies entering the regulated market.

Beyond licence payments, authorised operators have built infrastructure across:

• Technology.
• Payments.
• Certification.
• Information security.
• Compliance.
• Data protection.
• Customer service.
• Responsible gambling.

Wider Economic Supply Chain

ABRAJOGO stresses that the regulated market extends beyond betting operators themselves.

It also involves technology companies, payment providers, certification businesses, cybersecurity specialists, legal firms, compliance teams and sports-integrity services.

Major regulatory changes could therefore have consequences across this wider ecosystem.

Legal Certainty

Regulatory predictability is another central theme in the letter.

ABRAJOGO says licensed businesses made investment decisions based on rules established by the Brazilian state.

The organisation is therefore asking policymakers to consider contracts, investments, employment, tax receipts and consumers when considering structural changes.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making

The association calls for any measure affecting the regulated market to be grounded in:

• Data.
• Evidence.
• Legal certainty.
• Institutional dialogue.

The appeal is directed specifically to the federal government and the President.

Accountability Within the Legal Market

ABRAJOGO says it supports tougher action where licensed businesses fail to comply with their obligations.

Its central argument is that a formal market allows companies to be identified, supervised and sanctioned.

The association contrasts this with operators functioning outside Brazil‘s federal framework.

Industry Context

Brazil is entering a new phase of political and regulatory review only two years after the federal betting system became fully operational.

During 2026, authorities have strengthened rules involving advertising, payments, self-exclusion, integrity, user monitoring and financial enforcement against illegal operators.

The present debate concerns whether the next step should be further restrictions on legal supply or stronger use of the regulatory tools already created.

Next Steps and Impact

The next major development will be publication of any official Provisional Measure.

Until then, possible bans or additional restrictions remain under discussion rather than confirmed policy.

ABRAJOGO will seek to preserve the distinction between authorised and illegal operators and argues that future reform should retain effective supervision, accountability and consumer-protection mechanisms within the formal market.

Editó: @fonta