According to Gerçossimo, mapping the scale of this problem is extremely difficult, as many of these operators constantly change domains and names to stay active, while maintaining contact with players through decentralized channels.
This reality, he points out, generates unfair competition with regulated companies. While platforms like EstrelaBet must comply with strict compliance requirements, including Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, identity and location verification, illegal sites only require an email and password to register users.
The security procedures adopted by licensed platforms include submitting documents, face scanning, address confirmation, and linking a bank account.
“Illegal operators do not meet the requirements, which means less bureaucracy and greater adhesion, but also less oversight and zero security for consumers. It’s like betting with an unregulated digital bank. What guarantee do you have that your money will be there the next day?” Gerçossimo emphasized.
For EstrelaBet, combating illegal operations is essential to consolidating the sector in Brazil, ensuring player safety and market sustainability. “In addition to harming customers, there is also massive tax evasion, which means lost revenue that does not benefit the population,” highlighted the CEO.
Gerçossimo believes the purpose of regulation is to ensure that betting is treated responsibly, with integrity and protection on both sides: “This means focusing on the user, guaranteeing clear and transparent rules, and providing a safe system in which only companies duly licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting are allowed to operate.”
“Today, unfortunately, we still face the presence of illegal operators, and that is why joint action between the government and the industry is indispensable to eliminate this practice. With such alignment, combined with Brazilians’ passion for sports and their digital profile, the country has every condition to become, in the short term, one of the world’s largest betting markets,” concludes EstrelaBet’s CEO.
EstrelaBet
EstrelaBet is the largest Brazilian gamingtech company and operates with a definitive license in the national iGaming market. Recognized as the best Brazilian betting operator, it has earned awards such as “Best Sports Betting Operator in Brazil” and “Rising Star of the Year” at the SBC Awards Latin America 2022, in addition to winning twice in a row at the SiGMA Americas Awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2025, the company was also recognized at the BiS Awards in the categories “Best Action Against Gambling Addiction” and “Best Customer Service”, as well as winning the Prêmio Consumidor Moderno in the “Online Betting” category and the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards in the “Responsible Gambling Marketing Campaign” category.
Headquartered in São Paulo with a branch in Belo Horizonte, EstrelaBet is recognized for its innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, legal advertising, and support for sports and entertainment.
In partnership with FUMEC University, it develops pioneering initiatives for the prevention of problem gambling, using advanced technology to provide a safe experience and psychological support to users.
Game integrity is also a priority for the company, which combines strict internal processes with strategic partnerships such as Genius Sports and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
In 2023, EstrelaBet made history by becoming the first Brazilian betting company to officially sponsor a FIFA event: the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. This milestone consolidated its international presence and highlighted its dedication to developing multiple sports disciplines.
In Brazil, the company expands this role through support for major initiatives, sports broadcasts, cultural events, and media projects that strengthen its connection with the public and drive entertainment.
More information at www.estrelabet.bet.br
Source: GMB
