SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) has called on all Brazilian-licensed online gambling operators to prepare and submit their systems and controls for financial compliance.
The directive was initiated last week by the SPA, as the governing authority of the Brazil Bets regime – the federal framework regulating online gambling since 1 January 2025.
Licensed operators must submit their individual money laundering and terrorist financing prevention policies to the SPA by 17 March 2025.
The requirement applies to both operators who have received their Bets licences and those currently awaiting final authorisation.
Last week, the SPA updated its licence authorisation for online gambling licences, granting a further eight operators full licences to join the Bets Regime, which currently has 43 active licences.
Operators are urged to detail the criteria and measures they have in place to detect and prevent illicit financial activities. This includes outlining the systems and controls that will ensure compliance with the stringent guidelines set forth by the federal government.
The initiative is based on the mandates established by Law No. 14.790/2023 and SPA/MF Ordinance No. 1143/2024, which require operators to implement robust protocols to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. By enforcing these measures, the SPA aims to safeguard the integrity of the online gambling market and prevent the misuse of the sector for financial crimes.
The directive applies equally to operators who have already received their Bets licences and those still in the authorisation process. Non-compliance with these requirements may lead to sanctions, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and secure online gambling environment.
In February, the SPA noted that it was working with relevant authorities to develop unified protections and controls against money laundering as a key agenda policy for 2025.
Further 2025 priorities will see the SPA begin its programme to develop a federal self-exclusion scheme for the Brazil Bets market, with a general consultation launched to seek feedback on technical requirements.
