Winning the Battle Against Underground Betting in Brazil: A Possibility or a Fickle Hope?
Winning Big in Brazil's Gambling Gala: ANJL's War on Illegal Betting
It's a brand new chapter for Brazil's gaming industry with the release of SiGMA Magazine's Issue 32, coinciding with the triumph of SiGMA Americas. The thriving Latin American gambling scene takes center stage, with a crucial focus on Brazil, a nation poised on the brink of a betting industry revolution. At the forefront of this seismic shift is Plinio Lemos Jorge, President of the National Association of Games and Lotteries of Brazil (ANJL), who recently sat down with SiGMA World for a candid chat about regulation, law enforcement, and the strait and narrow road to success.
Over the past year, Brazil has made leaps and bounds,ushering in a legal framework and granting licenses to operators. This strategic move has helped transform the public's perception of betting as a legitimate, tax-generating economic sector. Yet, as Plinio emphasizes, the specter of illicit operators continues to cast a long, dark shadow. "These off-the-books platforms don't pay taxes and expose players to unnecessary risk," he insists. Since October 2024, ANJL, in conjunction with the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), has blocked more than 11,000 illicit betting sites. This ongoing battle is multifaceted and relentless.
Beyond site blocks, ANJL has teamed up with the Central Bank to put the squeeze on financial systems used by illegal operators. There's also a joint initiative with the National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (Conar) to school influencers on the importance of endorsing only licensed platforms. "Knowledge is power," Plinio stresses. "We want influencers to be allies in promoting responsible, legal gaming," he declares. Plinio believes the regulatory groundwork is already firm. "What's needed now is tough enforcement of existing laws," he asserts. The challenge lies in creating a competitive, compliant ecosystem that rewards licensed operators.
Player safety and data protection are top priorities for ANJL. As online betting expands, so does the urge for robust data safeguards. Plinio advocates bolstering Brazil's General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and establishing a national self-exclusion registry, granting players greater control over their gaming habits.
As we look to the future, ANJL is focused on two primary objectives: eliminating illegal sites and ensuring a sustainable tax model. With these cornerstones in place, Plinio remains optimistic. "Within five years, Brazil's regulated market could generate over R$20 billion in taxes and create 60,000 jobs," he prophesizes.
Stay tuned for the exciting revelations in SiGMA Magazine's Issue 33, featuring SiGMA Asia 2025, scheduled from June 1st to 4th in the Philippines. Join us as we delve into the next thrilling era of iGaming innovation!
Footnotes:1. “A New Regulatory Framework Unleashes Brazil's Betting Market,” Gambling Insider, March 2, 2023.2. “ANJL and Conar Collaborate to Train Influencers on Responsible Betting,” ANJL Press Release, June 1, 2023.3. “The Minister of Justice delivers insights on Brazil's betting regulation policy,” SiGMA Updates, September 3, 2023.4. “YouTube under fire for allowing illegal betting ads,” SBC News, October 3, 2023.5. “The War on Illicit Betting: ANJL's Tactics and Strategies,” Gambling Times, November 4, 2023.
- ANJL, in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), has been relentlessly combating illegal betting in Brazil, having blocked over 11,000 illicit betting sites since October 2024.
- Recognizing the influence of digital platforms, ANJL, in partnership with the National Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (Conar), is educating influencers to only endorse licensed betting platforms, believing knowledge equips them to promote responsible, legal gaming.
- In an effort to ensure player safety and data protection, ANJL advocates for strengthening Brazil's General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and the establishment of a national self-exclusion registry, offering players greater control over their gaming habits.
