Brazil Blocks More Than 47,000 Illegal Betting Sites in 42 Days
Brazil.- 10 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The Brazilian Government has reported that more than 47,000 illegal betting websites have been blocked since Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 took effect, introducing a nationwide ban on fixed-odds betting on 25 September.
According to the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), part of the Ministry of Finance, the figure represents an average of more than 1,100 domains blocked daily up to 6 November.
The enforcement campaign aims to restrict unauthorised gambling platforms, although authorities continue identifying alternative channels used by illegal operators.
More Than 1,100 Websites Blocked Daily
During the first 42 days following the ban, the Government intensified its digital enforcement operations.
Key figures include:
- More than 47,000 illegal betting websites blocked.
- 42 days of enforcement activity, from 25 September to 6 November.
- Over 1,100 domains blocked per day, on average.
The measures aim to prevent unauthorised platforms from continuing to offer betting services to Brazilian consumers.
However, the emergence of new domains remains an ongoing challenge for authorities.
Regulated Market Previously Included 85 Companies
Before the prohibition took effect, Brazil had authorised 85 companies to operate fixed-odds betting services.
Each operator was permitted to manage up to three commercial brands under its federal licence.
Companies paid R$30 million each to obtain authorisation, generating approximately R$2.55 billion in government revenue.
The suspension of licensed operations has prompted debate about legal certainty and the economic consequences of the policy.
Betting Ban Faces Constitutional Challenges
Several industry associations have filed legal challenges before Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) questioning the constitutionality of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026.
Their arguments include concerns about investments made by licensed businesses and the consequences of terminating previously authorised operations.
Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet recently requested the nationwide suspension of legal proceedings concerning the legislation.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux indicated that the constitutional review would need to consider legal certainty.
Industry Warns About Illegal Market Growth
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has criticised the blocking of websites and digital channels belonging to previously licensed operators.
According to the association, the prohibition could encourage the growth of unlicensed platforms operating outside government supervision and taxation.
The organisation also argues that removing the regulated market weakens existing consumer protection mechanisms.
These claims form part of the industry’s arguments in its constitutional challenges.
Illegal Betting Continues Through Telegram
Despite the website restrictions, illegal gambling platforms remain active through social media and messaging services.
An investigation published on 8 November identified:
- 87 different betting domains.
- Six Telegram channels promoting these platforms.
- More than 43,000 combined subscriptions across the channels.
Messages included referral bonuses, fee-free withdrawals and alternative links to gambling websites.
Promotions also featured the game popularly known in Brazil as jogo do tigrinho.
Ministry of Justice Expands Enforcement
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security had previously requested the removal of 1,027 groups and channels associated with gambling promotion.
Together, these channels accounted for approximately 18.4 million subscriptions.
The figure refers to subscriptions across different groups and does not necessarily represent unique individuals.
The measures are intended to limit the promotion of illegal betting platforms and reduce their ability to attract customers.
Challenges of Digital Enforcement
The rapid emergence of alternative domains illustrates the difficulty of restricting illegal gambling through website blocking alone.
Unauthorised operators can use replacement web addresses and messaging platforms to maintain contact with customers.
Against this background, cooperation between government authorities and digital service providers will remain important for improving enforcement.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The figures demonstrate the scale of Brazil’s enforcement campaign following the prohibition of fixed-odds betting.
At the same time, the continued promotion of gambling through Telegram shows that website restrictions have not completely eliminated access to illegal platforms.
With more than 47,000 domains blocked in 42 days and numerous betting links still circulating through digital channels, Brazil faces the challenge of combating illegal gambling while the Supreme Federal Court examines the constitutional future of the ban.
The development of legal proceedings and the Government’s ability to restrict clandestine operations will remain central issues in the coming weeks.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
