Brazil: 11% of Minors Already Bet Online
Brazil.– May 13, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com A study conducted by Ipsos for identity verification platform Unico reveals that 11% of minors in Brazil are already participating in online betting, raising new concerns regarding illegal platforms and youth protection within the regulated digital betting market.
Overview
The research indicates that thousands of Brazilian minors aged between 10 and 17 currently access online betting platforms despite legal restrictions prohibiting gambling for individuals under 18 years old.
The findings once again place responsible gambling, identity verification, parental control and the fight against illegal operators at the centre of the national debate.
Brazilian authorities and parts of the regulated sector argue that the proliferation of illegal betting platforms remains one of the main threats to youth protection within the digital gambling ecosystem.
Details / Context
The study surveyed 1,200 Brazilian youths aged between 10 and 17 and identified teenage boys aged 16 and 17 as the group with the highest participation in online betting activities.
The research also highlights curiosity and the possibility of earning easy money as the primary motivations leading minors to access betting platforms.
Since the regulation of the sector, Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) has implemented mandatory KYC measures, document validation and facial recognition systems to prevent minors from registering with licensed operators.
However, specialists warn that illegal websites continue operating without effective identity verification systems or meaningful access restrictions.
Brazil has also introduced advertising restrictions targeting minors, banning campaigns and content considered especially attractive to adolescents.
Market Impact
The findings increase political and regulatory pressure on Brazil’s online betting industry, particularly regarding advertising, compliance and consumer protection measures.
The expansion of Brazil’s regulated betting market continues alongside growing social debate about the impact of digital gambling on young people and families.
Licensed operators argue that strengthening the regulated market and eliminating illegal platforms are essential steps towards improving youth protection and increasing operational traceability.
The discussion could also accelerate new regulatory requirements related to user monitoring, artificial intelligence risk detection systems and stronger identity verification controls.
Future Perspective
Brazil continues consolidating its position as one of the world’s largest regulated online betting markets, but the industry’s growth also increases challenges related to responsible gambling and youth protection.
The evolution of this debate will be critical for future regulatory decisions involving advertising, biometric validation, financial oversight and technological supervision.
While the government strengthens monitoring mechanisms, the industry seeks to demonstrate that a regulated and supervised market can provide greater security compared to illegal operators.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com
