The timing couldn’t be more strategic. These measures will be enforced just two days before the World Cup final, a period traditionally marked by a spike in betting activity and promotional campaigns. Finance Minister Dario Durigan emphasized that enforcement won’t be limited to betting operators alone. Authorities plan to target advertising agencies, social media influencers, and other entities involved in disseminating or amplifying gambling promotions that could entice consumers.

Brazil’s licensed betting industry has largely expressed support for the new restrictions. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) described the measures as a “positive step,” stating that clear rules help differentiate legitimate, regulated operators from illegal ones. They also argued that companies with federal licenses should be able to operate under predictable regulations, provided they adhere to the new marketing standards.

However, ANJL cautioned that tighter advertising controls alone won’t resolve the country’s ongoing challenges. They pointed out that illegal betting platforms continue to promote their services despite lacking official authorization, often dodging taxes and ignoring consumer protections. These unlicensed sites are frequently found without anti-money laundering safeguards, fail to prevent underage access, and lack measures to combat compulsive gambling.

Read Also: Spribe’s Preliminary Injunction in Brazil Overturned by Court

The association further warned that unlawful advertising tarnishes the reputation of the regulated industry and called for stronger enforcement from Brazilian authorities. The advertising restrictions are part of a broader strategy by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government to tighten regulation of Brazil’s rapidly expanding online gambling market. Last month, Lula signed a decree empowering authorities to freeze assets linked to illegal betting operators. The latest measures on advertising aim to reduce the visibility of these unlicensed platforms while imposing stricter standards on the legal industry.

Rather than solely targeting betting companies, regulators are now taking a more comprehensive approach by scrutinizing the entire advertising ecosystem. This shift indicates that anyone involved in gambling promotions, including agencies and influencers could be held accountable if they violate the new rules. For licensed operators, the message is clear: marketing practices will be under increased scrutiny, and enforcement efforts are set to target not only illegal operators but also the broader network of promotional channels that support gambling advertising. The goal is to create a more transparent, responsible betting environment in Brazil as the industry continues to evolve. Brazil Betting Ads

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Approved by the Provincial Chamber of Representatives on June 18 and enacted through Decree No. 1,156, this legislation introduces a range of measures designed to curb underage gambling activity. Notably, it regulates online betting advertisements, tightens control over intermediaries known as “cashiers,” and mandates protocols for schools to respond to potential threats.

Argentina has seen a rising tide of concern over minors engaging with online betting platforms. Over the past year and a half, various initiatives have emerged across the country to prevent underage gambling and enforce stricter controls. The law’s most prominent feature is a ban on advertising online betting directed at minors, including the prohibition of using influencers, characters, or other child-related elements in promotional campaigns. Additionally, a registry has been established to monitor operators, advertisers, and agencies involved in online betting promotions within Misiones.

Operators are now required to implement mechanisms that prevent minors from being exposed to such advertisements and to retain relevant documentation for five years. Every gambling advertisement will also feature responsible gambling notices, providing information about risks and available support services.

Read Also: Argentina Advances Federal Law to Regulate Gambling and Target Unlicensed Operators

To bolster enforcement, the law introduces a digital reporting platform where violations can be flagged. Educational institutions will be tasked with following specific protocols when responding to viral online challenges or situations that could threaten minors’ safety. An early warning system, utilizing monitoring tools and artificial intelligence, will be established to identify and flag potentially risky situations involving children and teenagers. Those who fail to comply with the new regulations be they operators, intermediaries, or advertisers face administrative penalties.

Looking ahead, the province plans to dedicate funds for awareness campaigns, training initiatives, and programs aimed at addressing problem gambling within digital environments. A review process will be conducted every two years to assess the law’s impact on young people. An intersectoral advisory council will be created to oversee and support public prevention policies, and the province will observe the annual Healthy Digital Habits Week each February to promote safe online practices. At its core, the legislation reaffirms the prohibition of minors’ participation in any form of gambling: whether physical or virtual, reflecting Misiones’ unwavering commitment to child protection in the digital age. Misiones Law Gambling

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Last Friday, President Lula signed a decree introducing a series of measures aimed at combating illegal gambling while reinforcing the integrity of the regulated market in Brazil. These initiatives are seen as a significant step forward by industry stakeholders, marking progress in ongoing efforts to formalize and strengthen the legal betting sector. The ANJL views the new measures as a vital part of the broader effort to protect legitimate operators. The move comes after a sustained period of collaboration between the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), representatives from the regulated industry, and other key players involved in overseeing the sector.

During a recent press conference, Wellington César Lima, the Minister of Justice, highlighted the scale of the problem. He revealed that an estimated 25.2 million Brazilians have placed bets on illegal websites. Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of the ANJL, emphasized that this staggering figure underscores the immense challenge authorities face and reinforces the need for robust inspection measures.

Lemos Jorge pointed out the importance of ongoing communication and cooperation: “The illegal betting industry exposes consumers to risks, evades taxes and generates unfair competition in relation to companies that comply with Brazilian regulatory requirements. The announced actions represent an important step in strengthening the regulated market. The advances are the result of an environment of dialogue and institutional cooperation that allowed us to gather information, develop tools and expand our understanding of the activities of illegal operators in the country.”

Read Also: Brazil Implements New Strategies to Fight Illegal Betting, Including Asset Seizures

The SPA has played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape, establishing mechanisms to enhance state efforts against clandestine operators. The new decree broadens the government’s capacity not only to target illegal betting operations but also to dismantle the financial and infrastructural support that sustains them.
Lemos Jorge added, “Combatting the illegal betting market is a constant challenge. The clandestine industry operates with a high degree of technological sophistication and adapts very quickly, which prevents any definitive assessment of the effectiveness of the measures adopted. What works today may cease to be effective tomorrow. Therefore, this fight needs to be continuous, coordinated and dynamic.”

The IBJR has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government initiatives, expressing strong backing for Decree No 13,033/2026 and Ordinance No 1,766/2026, regulations designed to block funds linked to illegal betting activities and hold financial institutions, payment companies, and advertisers accountable for tax collection related to illegal fixed-odds betting.
A report by the Locomotiva Institute and LCA estimates that Brazil’s illegal betting market amounts to approximately BRL40 billion ($7.7 billion) annually, causing an estimated loss of BRL10.8 billion ($2.1 billion) to public coffers each year.

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During a recent press briefing, Finance Minister Dario Durigan unveiled a new decree aimed at targeting the financial flows that sustain illicit betting activities. The measure, signed on Friday by President Lula, grants authorities the power to freeze assets and gains linked to illegal bets within financial institutions that process and transfer funds.

Durigan emphasized that the sector is already under the oversight of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA). “Now, with the ordinance that imposes joint liability on financial institutions, we will have even more means to combat the illegal market. And the new decree will impose restrictions on transactions involving clandestine bets,” he explained. This new regulation permits authorities to identify and freeze funds originating from illegal betting operations held in banks, fintechs, and payment providers. Financial institutions will have just 48 hours to act once illegal activity is flagged, or face potential joint liability for the transfers involved.

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The overarching aim, according to Durigan, is to choke off the financial arteries of illegal betting. The government has already been working with agencies like Anatel to block access to illegal websites, which are often linked to a network of fintech firms used for illicit transactions. “We are communicating with the federal police, Public Prosecutor’s offices, COAF (Council for Financial Activities Control), and the Federal Revenue Service so they can act against these illegal operations,” he said.
“This measure decisively strengthens the Brazilian state’s capacity to confront illegal operators. Those who operate outside the law cannot continue using the financial system to sustain clandestine businesses. By blocking the flow of funds in unauthorised betting operations, the regulation targets the economic core of illicit activities, reduces incentives for illegality and reinforces the government’s commitment to serious, effective regulation guided by the public interest,” Durigan added.

The government’s stance is clear: zero tolerance. The plan involves shutting down fintech companies suspected of involvement, ordering them to cease operations, and pursuing asset expropriation. Any funds seized will be funneled into the National Public Security Fund. Minister of Justice Wellington César Lima e Silva underscored the importance of the crackdown, noting that organized crime often shifts into the illegal betting sector to evade law enforcement. “It is essential that the government act strongly against this,” he affirmed.

The decree, according to Wellington, marks a significant step forward in the fight against illegal betting. While initial efforts will focus on cutting off financial support to criminal networks, the Ministry of Justice will oversee the subsequent legal proceedings. “The first step is to cut off the oxygen supply to criminal organisations through financial asphyxiation,” he concluded. Brazil Illegal Betting

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The core issue involves contracts related to sports, elections, and entertainment activities that Nevada law considers gambling and therefore requires a valid gaming license, which Kalshi does not possess. On May 18, 2026, the court instructed Kalshi to implement geofencing technology to prevent Nevada-based users from accessing and trading in these event contracts. Geofencing is a location-based technology designed to restrict access from certain areas. However, the NGCB claims that Kalshi has not adhered to this injunction. In the regulator’s filing, they argue that the continued availability of these contracts within Nevada’s borders violates the court order and jeopardizes the state’s regulatory efforts.
The NGCB stated: “Kalshi’s stubborn refusal to comply with the preliminary injunction is causing severe and ongoing harm to Nevada, its finances, and its citizens.”

Nevada law mandates that contracts on sports and other events be licensed activities. The regulators allege that Kalshi is unlawfully operating within the state by offering these products without proper authorization.
Investigations revealed that users could purchase contracts on the Kalshi app for high-profile events such as NBA playoff games, Major League Baseball matches, a boxing bout, a tennis match, and even a celebrity wedding. The filing also notes that the platform processes significant daily betting volumes linked to major international sporting events.

The NGCB elaborated: “Every day, Kalshi takes in hundreds of millions in wagers on such events as the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, and FIFA World Cup. At the same time, Kalshi is severely harming the gaming industry because it refuses to follow the same rules as its licensed sportsbook competitors who actually geofence. This is an intolerable state of affairs. In light of the Board’s investigation and Kalshi’s own admissions that establish its violation of the court order, the court shall hold Kalshi in contempt. Kalshi will never get the message otherwise.”

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Licensed sportsbooks in Nevada use advanced geolocation technology that cross-verifies a user’s location through multiple data points before accepting bets. The regulators allege that Kalshi has declined to adopt similar measures. Instead, the company reportedly invested $190,000 in a proprietary solution relying on IP address detection. US regulators describe this method as “notoriously unreliable” and consider it an inadequate safeguard.

The NGCB criticized: “This is just more from the same old Kalshi playbook; delay, delay, delay. Rather than comply with the court’s order, Kalshi has only taken half-hearted and ineffective steps, seemingly hoping the court will accept its minimal efforts so it can continue profiting at the expense of the state and its citizens.” In its motion, Nevada authorities are requesting a formal contempt finding against Kalshi for failing to follow the court order. Such a ruling could lead to penalties or other enforcement actions. The state also asks the court to order “disgorgement of all ill-gotten gains” or, alternatively, impose fines of $120,000 for each day the company remains in violation. Mike Dreitzer, Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, commented: “The Court has required Kalshi to stop offering covered event contracts in Nevada. We will continue to vigorously enforce Nevada law to safeguard gaming in our state.” Kalshi Nevada Regulators

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The anticipation surrounding the 2026 World Cup has prompted authorities, researchers, and advocacy organizations to express concerns about the potential for increased exposure to gambling promotions. They warn that such exposure could heighten risks for vulnerable populations, particularly during major sporting events known to trigger spikes in betting.

Ontario, where online gambling has been legal since 2022, has been at the forefront of this debate. Officials there have noted that large sporting events often correlate with surges in betting activity. Meanwhile, critics argue that the proliferation of advertising and the accessibility of digital betting platforms facilitate more frequent wagering.

Recent national survey data reveal that many Canadians are regularly exposed to betting advertisements across various media outlets. The same studies indicate that over 25% of individuals who engaged in online gambling within the past year reported that advertising influenced their decision to place a wager. Particularly among younger adults, there appears to be heightened susceptibility. A significant portion of younger respondents acknowledged that gambling promotions affected their betting choices, raising concerns about marketing strategies reaching populations potentially more prone to risky behaviors.

Read Also: Brazil to Disclose Betting License Details as Part of Transparency Initiative

Ontario has become a focal point in the policy discussion due to its relatively recent introduction of a regulated online betting market in 2022. As the World Cup nears, officials are contemplating tighter advertising regulations in the province, especially as betting volumes are expected to rise. Authorities note that large sporting events tend to drive increased wagering. The advent of digital platforms compounds this trend by providing users with easy, frequent, and often anonymous betting options.

Advocacy groups and researchers have linked the upcoming betting surge to broader public health issues. Studies referenced in the source suggest that individuals who gamble online may be at greater risk of developing problematic gambling habits compared to those engaging in traditional forms, such as lotteries. Critics also highlight marketing tactics like promotional bonuses and targeted advertisements, which they argue can entrap users into repetitive betting behaviors that become difficult to break once established. Canada Gambling Ads

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The announcement was made jointly by Finance Minister Dario Durigan and Daniele Cardoso, head of the Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA). Their goal is to foster greater openness and accountability in the regulation of Brazil’s growing betting market.
Minister Durigan emphasized the government’s commitment:

He added that personal data and sensitive information will be carefully redacted prior to publication to ensure compliance with data protection laws. The process will be carried out in collaboration with the Comptroller General of the Union to speed up the release of documents while safeguarding privacy and confidentiality.
This move aligns with Brazil’s ongoing efforts to tighten oversight over its newly regulated betting industry, especially after facing criticism regarding previous restrictions on access to licensing information.

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Daniele Cardoso highlighted the importance of increased monitoring:
“We are reinforcing monitoring and oversight actions during the competition period. We have already instructed regulated agents on the need for strict adherence to the responsible gaming rules stipulated in the legislation, we will intensify the monitoring of the campaigns.”
As part of these initiatives, Brazil is set to host its inaugural Responsible Gaming Seminar on June 16, signaling its commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices across the sector. Brazil Betting Transparency

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The Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step toward tightening regulations on gambling advertising aimed at young audiences. The Committee on Social Security, Social Assistance, Childhood, Adolescence and Family approved a substitute version of Bill 3724/24, originally introduced by Deputy Túlio Gadêlha. Legislators explained that the goal is to strengthen protections both in physical spaces and online platforms, where betting messages are increasingly prevalent. The bill specifically addresses promotions related to lottery draws, betting websites, and other forms of gambling advertising.

Congress woman Meire Serafim emphasized: “Even though consumption and purchases were already prohibited, there was no law specifically dealing with advertising. And that’s precisely what this project does, prohibiting this kind of publicity on any digital or communication platform.” The revised text was crafted following discussions within Congress and seeks to enhance existing legislation, including Law 14.790/23 and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA). Serafim explained that the legal gap was not about access to gambling products but rather how these products are promoted. With committee approval, the bill will now proceed further in the legislative process, although lawmakers still need to consider whether to extend these protections into a comprehensive national framework.

Read also: Argentina Advances Federal Law to Regulate Gambling and Target Unlicensed Operators

The proposed legislation would prohibit promotional activities involving online gamblers and teenage content creators on social media platforms. Under the bill, advertising that promotes betting services to minors would be classified as an administrative offense. Supporters argue that current regulations already prevent minors from purchasing or using gambling products; however, they remain concerned about indirect marketing reaching young audiences through digital channels. This issue has gained urgency as gambling content proliferates across social media, mobile apps, and video-sharing platforms. Advocates for the bill contend that online personalities can amplify gambling messages in ways that are difficult for regulators to monitor effectively. The legislation aims to close the gap between existing product restrictions and promotional practices, providing authorities with a clearer legal basis to intervene against campaigns targeting minors or likely to reach them.

The bill proposes fines for companies, betting operators, and individuals involved in advertising campaigns featuring minors. Fines would range from BRL 3,000 to BRL 10,000, with the penalties doubling for repeat offenses within a year or in cases involving commercial transactions. Representatives of betting companies or parents organizing such advertising could face fines up to ten times higher. The most severe sanctions would target operators who facilitate ads involving minors, with fines potentially increased by a factor of 100. Despite receiving committee approval, the bill still faces additional scrutiny. It must be reviewed by the Committee on the Constitution and Justice to assess its constitutional compliance. If approved, it will require final approval from both chambers of Congress and the signature of the President before becoming law. For now, this legislative effort contributes to ongoing discussions about regulating gambling advertising within Brazil’s broader regulated market framework. Brazil Minors Gambling

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The government has formally placed gambling on the national legislative agenda by submitting a dedicated bill. On 22 May, Cabinet chief Manuel Adorni announced via X that four bills had been introduced that day, including this gambling proposal. Alongside, the package features a revised Super RIGI proposal, a lobbying-disclosure law, and new food-labelling regulations. President Milei promptly shared the news, showing clear backing for the legislative push.

The drafting process involved Sedronar working closely with the Ministry of Health. The bill explicitly frames the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction as a core element of the country’s public health strategy. For the online gaming sector, key compliance measures include an outright ban on online gambling for minors and mandatory identity checks on all licensed platforms. These provisions link gambling addiction prevention directly to platform-level controls designed to verify age and identity.

The bill also introduces criminal penalties targeting illegal gambling operators. Operating betting systems without proper authorization could result in prison sentences ranging from three to six years. The legislation further stipulates harsher penalties if minors are involved. A new Article 301 proposes that anyone providing services, equipment, or materials to unlicensed operators could face two to four years in prison, with increased sentences for those engaging in advertising on their behalf.

Read also: Brazil’s Online Betting Self-Exclusion Program Exceeds 500,000 Participants

This is seen as the first time Argentina’s federal criminal law explicitly targets online gambling violations. The law differentiates between licensed operators who are subject to identity verification and unlicensed entities operating outside legal bounds. The government emphasizes that this approach aims to regulate rather than prohibit legitimate commerce, with licensing status becoming a critical legal consideration for operators, suppliers, and advertisers. Several federal agencies would be empowered to enforce the new rules. ENACOM would have the authority to block content from illegal operators, while the Central Bank could prevent minors from transferring funds to gambling platforms. The CNV would gain oversight over virtual asset service providers supporting unlicensed sites, and NIC Argentina would be tasked with suspending domains linked to illegal operators. Sedronar would oversee the development and funding of treatment programs for gambling addiction. These measures create a coordinated multi-agency framework covering communications, financial transactions, virtual assets, domain management, and health.

Advertising restrictions would span social media, TV, radio, the internet, mobile apps, and public spaces. Promotional content targeting minors or featuring them would be prohibited. Ads could not portray gambling as a means to achieve social status, wealth, or personal success. It’s worth noting that this proposal follows a previous gambling bill that gained partial approval last year but was ultimately rejected by Milei’s La Libertad Avanza bloc, which viewed it as a blanket ban on lawful commerce. The current draft narrows focus to minors, identity verification, and criminal sanctions for unlicensed operators, signaling a more restrained legislative approach. Argentina Unlicensed Operators

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The platform, introduced in December 2025 as part of Brazil’s regulated betting landscape, allows users to voluntarily block their access to licensed betting websites for a designated period, ranging from one month up to an indefinite term. According to recent government data, the number of participants continues to climb steadily. In fact, within its first 40 days, the register saw more than 217,000 registrations.

The current total surpasses the half-million mark, emphasizing the growing awareness and utilization of this tool. It applies exclusively to operators licensed within Brazil’s regulated market, ensuring that those who self-exclude are unable to access these betting platforms during their chosen period.

Read also: Kalshi Files Lawsuit Against First, Rhode Island Counters With Illegal Betting Charges

The platform was launched by Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting, a division of the federal government, through collaboration between the Ministries of Finance and Health. Users have the flexibility to select the duration of their exclusion, including options for open-ended bans. When registering, individuals may optionally specify their reasons for self-exclusion. The government states that this information is being used to enhance public policies and deepen understanding of gambling-related behaviors.

Officials highlight the register as both a consumer safeguard and a vital public health instrument, part of a broader effort to address gambling-related harm. The system is set to integrate mental health screening and referrals within Brazil’s public healthcare network (SUS), aiming to identify compulsive gambling tendencies and guide users toward specialized treatment.
Brazil’s Universal Health System now provides dedicated telehealth services focused on gambling addiction. These services, available through both public and private healthcare providers, facilitate remote screening and referral processes, ensuring that self-excluded individuals can access expert care when necessary. This approach positions the register as part of a comprehensive support network, not merely a blocking mechanism. Brazil’s Self-Exclusion

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