I don’t usually ask people to share my texts. I believe things should happen organically. But today, I’m making an exception.
This text is a simple invitation for people from other sectors of our economy to better understand the risks posed by illegal gambling and betting operations in Brazil.
We are living in a moment of transformation. Social and technological evolution has opened new frontiers for entertainment, and the betting market is part of that. Since 2020 especially, this industry has been growing rapidly in Brazil.
As happens with any new consumer product, we are now going through stages that more mature markets have already overcome: from the technical evolution of platforms to player behavior.
The legalization in 2018 was a fundamental step for cultural alignment. It formalized a habit already present in Brazilians’ daily lives. The regulation, finally published in 2023, was a direct result of the sector’s own effort, which for five years pressured the government for clear rules, control mechanisms, and legal security.
During this regulatory vacuum, however, various practices and advertising operations arose that distorted the sector’s image. And this directly affected companies that operate within the law: those that follow strict standards, comply with tax obligations, promote responsible gaming, fight money laundering, and help protect the integrity of sports.
It is important to state clearly: the most serious problems are in illegal operations.
They are the ones that facilitate access to minors, operate without any control or transparency, and offer no support to compulsive players who direct their addiction toward gambling.
A recent study by IBJR – the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming – revealed that Brazil loses tens of billions of reais per year by not combating these illegal operations, which today number thousands of sites, compared to fewer than 200 companies operating legally.
The fight against the illegal market is urgent.
Attacking those who follow the rules only weakens tax collection, encourages clandestine activity, and worsens the situation. It is necessary to mobilize society and legislators to focus on the real problem.
The regulated market — whose numbers may seem large — actually represents a modest slice of the national economy. The combined profits of all regulated companies in the sector do not even reach the profit of a single leading bank in the country.
Ignoring this scenario is a strategic mistake.
Brazil can no longer waste time fighting the right side of the equation.
The focus must be where the real risk lies: on unlicensed sites without technical control, laboratory verification, or any consumer protection.
The fight must be against the illegal.
And in this, all of us — sector, government, press, and society — must be on the same side.
Fellipe Eduardo Fraga
Business and Institutional Relations Director at EstrelaBet
