Brazil: ANALOME Challenges the “.bet.br” Domain Criterion for Betting Sites

Brazil – March 26, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The National Association of Municipal and State Lotteries (ANALOME) has strongly opposed the use of the “.bet.br” domain as the exclusive criterion for distinguishing legal and illegal betting sites. The criticism was directed at the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA-MF).

The association argues that the measure adopted by SPA-MF violates the principles of legality, as well as free enterprise and the autonomy of federal entities. Moreover, this governmental action could create legal uncertainty for operators who comply with the legislation.

ANALOME asserts that requiring the “.bet.br” domain is an arbitrary measure that disregards the sector’s reality, where platforms licensed by state lotteries legally use other domains.

The entity also warns that this restriction could negatively impact lottery operations, which finance crucial sectors such as health and education. Meanwhile, the “.bet.br” domain is reserved exclusively for those who obtain a federal license.

In an official statement, the association declared that this measure represents an attempt to maintain a monopoly on lottery operations. Additionally, ANALOME highlighted that this contradicts both the current legislation and the jurisprudence of the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

For this reason, ANALOME is requesting the revocation of Ordinance SPA/MF No. 566/25. Furthermore, it proposes the creation of a Joint Working Group with representatives from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, with the main goal of discussing solutions that ensure legal security while respecting the autonomy of states and municipalities.

Camilo Roma de Brito, President of ANALOME, stated:

“We believe that technical dialogue is essential to developing a fair regulatory framework. This proposal demonstrates our commitment to consensual solutions.”

The association also advised its members to consider legal actions to protect their activities, and it has not ruled out the possibility of filing an injunction (Mandado de Segurança).

ANALOME’s Official Position

The National Association of Municipal and State Lotteries (ANALOME) expresses its strong opposition to Ordinance SPA/MF No. 566, published on March 21, 2025, by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance.

This regulation, by establishing the “.bet.br” domain as the exclusive criterion for identifying illegal betting operations, imposes an unjustified restriction that violates the principles of legality, free enterprise, and the autonomy of federal entities.

The ordinance creates an environment of legal uncertainty, harming operators who act in accordance with existing laws. The requirement to use the “.bet.br” domain ignores the industry’s reality, where many state and municipal-regulated operations use other domains.

This restriction is a violation of the principle of legality (Article 5, II, of the Federal Constitution – CF/88) and constitutes an overreach of the federal government’s legislative authority.

Although the ordinance aims to combat illegal activities, its criterion lacks legal backing and jeopardizes the continuity of lottery operations, which finance essential sectors such as health and education. This inadequate criterion is not an effective tool for addressing irregularities, as it directly affects public policies and creates instability for both operators and beneficiaries.

Given this scenario, ANALOME urges the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting to revoke Ordinance SPA/MF No. 566/25, correcting this serious violation of the legal framework and avoiding irreparable harm to the gaming and entertainment industry.

Additionally, ANALOME advises its members to take the necessary legal actions, including the possibility of filing an injunction (Mandado de Segurança) to protect their operations.

Furthermore, the ordinance suggests an attempt by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting to establish a lottery monopoly, which is not supported by current legislation or STF jurisprudence. This approach creates barriers that favor certain entities while undermining state and municipal autonomy.

ANALOME reaffirms its commitment to fighting illegal practices within constitutional limits and proposes the creation of a Joint Working Group with representatives of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, to analyze the impacts of the ordinance and seek solutions that ensure legal security and respect for federal entities’ autonomy.

“We believe that technical dialogue is essential to developing a fair regulatory framework. This proposal does not exclude the possibility of legal action but reflects our commitment to consensual solutions.”

CAMILO ROMA DE BRITO
PRESIDENT OF ANALOME

Edited by: @_fonta | www.zonadeazar.com