Restriction Package in Force
The federal government issued a provisional measure that immediately bars new deposits on online betting platforms and virtual casinos. Users will have until October 5 to withdraw existing balances, while sites and apps must be deactivated starting the following day.
Responsibility of Digital Platforms
Internet providers, social networks, app stores and operating systems now have the so-called "duty of care". They must block or remove content, ads and services linked to prohibited betting. Those who do not act in a proven manner may be held responsible.
Foreseen Sanctions
Non-compliance may result in:
- warning with deadline for compliance;
- fine of up to 10% of the economic group's revenue in Brazil;
- daily fine;
- temporary suspension of activities;
- definitive prohibition of operation.
When there is no revenue, the penalty ranges from R$ 10 to R$ 1,000 per user, limited to R$ 50 million per infraction.
Criminalization under Discussion
In addition to administrative measures, a bill sent to Congress turns the exploitation and disclosure of fixed-odds betting into a crime, with a prison sentence of 4 to 6 years plus a fine. The punishment increases by one third when the target is virtual games, such as the popular "jogo do tigrinho".
Market Reaction
Sector entities, such as the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming and the National Association of Games and Lotteries, warn that a total ban could push bettors to illegal sites without oversight. They claim that 31 million people use regulated platforms and promise to go to court to reverse the decision.