IBJR Launches Campaign Against Illegal Betting Platforms in Brazil

Brazil’s betting industry may be moving forward under federal regulation, but the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) says illegal platforms remain a major problem. To raise awareness, the group has launched a campaign warning consumers about the risks of betting on unlicensed sites.

Good to Know

• Nearly 80 operators are now licensed by Brazil’s Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA).
• Thousands of unlicensed betting platforms still target Brazilian players.
• IBJR is working with IBIA to strengthen betting integrity in Brazil.

In its campaign launch, IBJR described illegal operators as a “goat in the room,” pointing to their continued presence in much of the national betting scene. The association said the issue demands urgent attention, both from consumers and from regulators.

Slogans like “To play, there must be rules” and “Illegal bets won’t do” are being used to promote the message. Bettors are being urged to check that sites end with the .bet.br domain, which confirms government authorization under Brazil’s new framework.

According to IBJR, regulation has already brought progress, with close to 80 operators approved by the Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA). Yet the association estimates that thousands of offshore and unlicensed sites remain active across Brazil, competing directly with legal platforms.

Alongside its consumer-focused push, IBJR wants to highlight the scale of the underground market to authorities and challenge misinformation about the regulated sector. The institute also continues to partner with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) to raise integrity standards in the Brazilian market.