Brazilian gaming associations join forces to combat illegal gambling
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) have formalized a technical and institutional cooperation agreement to intensify the fight against the illegal betting market in Brazil. The union of the two main entities in the sector aims to protect the integrity of the regulated environment, promote responsible gaming, and strengthen dialogue with the public authorities. The initiative includes the exchange of strategic information, awareness-raising actions, and joint measures to ensure legal security, sustainable revenue, and protection for bettors.
According to a joint press release, the union of forces occurs at a time when the industry faces pressures that threaten its economic sustainability in the country, putting at risk all the regulations built so far. It is estimated that the sector will raise more than R$ 4 billion in taxes for the public coffers this year alone.
“This agreement shows that our sector is united, conveying the message of unrestricted support for responsible gaming. We share the common goal of ensuring the viability of the regulated betting market. We face a significant challenge, as a potential high tax burden could compromise the sector and stimulate the expansion of illegal platforms, which already dominate most betting operations in the country,” stated the president of ANJL Plinio Augusto Lemos Jorge.
“The consolidation of this partnership is a concrete response to the challenges threatening the regulated environment in Brazil. Joining forces with ANJL is a way to enhance our efforts against illegal operators, promoting greater security for bettors and sustainability for the sector. The fight against illegal betting and the defence of a regulated market in favour of responsible gaming are our priorities,” said Fernando Vieira, president of IBJR.
The agreement, delivered to the Secretary of Prizes and Betting, Regis Dudena, outlines various actions, such as the exchange of information and data about the activities of unlicensed companies and other awareness activities.
In June a study financed by the IBJR revealed that three out of four Brazilians who bet online in 2025 used illegal platforms. The information was outlined in a survey conducted by Instituto Locomotiva, carried out between April and May of this year with 2,000 interviews. The study also shows that 77% of those who bet on illegal platforms this year spent most or all of their wagering money on the illegal market.
