Published
31/12/2025 às 05:34
Updated
30/12/2025 às 22:43
Illegal websites are gaining ground in the Brazilian betting market, increasing the risk of online scams, according to official data and experts.
Os illegal sites They came to dominate a significant portion of betting market No. Brazileven after the sector is regulated, and the risks increase. digital scams against millions of bettors.
The scenario is now consolidating across the country, driven by regulatory loopholes and the advancement of… technology and due to the accelerated growth in demand for online betting.
Currently, Brazil has over 27,5 million bettors and ranks among the five largest global markets in terms of financial volume. By 2025, the sector was projected to generate over R$ 32 billion, reinforcing the interest of both legal companies and clandestine platforms.
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Illegal websites account for four out of ten platforms.
Official data reveals that the presence of unregulated platforms remains high. Information from the Ministry of Finance shows that, almost a year after regulation, only 79 of the 184 registered companies are authorized to operate.
Thus, 105 companies operate irregularly in the online betting market. This number explains why four out of ten websites accessible to Brazilian bettors operate outside the law.
Billion-dollar losses affect the Brazilian economy.
The operation of illegal websites has a direct impact on the economy. According to the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming, this clandestine activity generates an estimated annual loss of R$ 10,8 billion to public coffers.
On the other hand, the regulated market has already collected around R$ 9 billion in taxes this year alone. Therefore, experts warn that the growth of illegality compromises resources that could finance public policies.
Tax increase worries legal market
In addition to unfair competition, the legal sector is concerned about the gradual increase in the tax burden. The tax rate on betting will rise from 12% to 15% by 2028.
According to Renato Meirelles of the Locomotiva Institute, “Brazilian authorities have made significant progress in organizing the rules of the game.” However, he warns that “the illegal market is large and causes considerable harm not only to consumers but to the entire Brazilian economy.”
Technology fuels digital scams.
The expansion of the black market also increases the number of digital scamsIllegal platforms exploit security flaws, lack of oversight, and the intensive use of technology to attract gamblers.
Meanwhile, these sites frequently fail to pay out prizes, steal personal and financial data, and use opaque systems. Therefore, experts emphasize that the risk to the consumer grows in direct proportion to the illegal market.
How to identify illegal gambling websites
To reduce risks, authorities and experts advise bettors to check if the platform uses the “.bet.br” domain. This seal indicates that the site has official authorization to operate in Brazil.
Furthermore, legitimate companies adopt strict digital security systems, responsible gaming policies, and data protection mechanisms. This significantly reduces consumers’ exposure to fraud.
The betting market continues to expand in Brazil.
Despite the challenges, the betting market continues to grow rapidly in Brazil. The combination of popularity, ease of access, and technology keeps the sector in the spotlight.
However, experts warn that the balance between revenue collection, competitiveness, and security will be crucial. Otherwise, the advancement of illegal sites This could jeopardize investments, revenue, and the confidence of bettors.
Combating illegality requires coordinated action.
Finally, analysts advocate for joint action between the government, legitimate companies, and regulatory bodies. The goal is to strengthen the regulated market and reduce the space for clandestine platforms.
Meanwhile, information remains the consumer’s main ally. Identifying trustworthy websites and avoiding illegal shortcuts becomes essential to protecting data, money, and the Brazilian economy itself.
