According to the 2026 Annual Budget Bill (PLOA), the proposal will have a positive impact of R$ 19.76 billion (US$3.63bn) on government accounts next year.
In addition to cutting tax benefits, the bill establishes rules making financial and payment institutions that allow transactions related to unregulated betting companies responsible for collecting taxes on illegal bets. Individuals and legal entities that advertise unauthorized betting platforms will also be held accountable.
“By holding financial and payment institutions jointly responsible when they facilitate transactions for unauthorized operators, the proposal creates an effective mechanism to block the financial flow of illicit activities and ensure the collection of due taxes,” the bill states.
Febraban calls for careful review
In a statement, the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) said it supports all initiatives to combat illegal betting in the country. However, the organization emphasized that the proposals must be thoroughly reviewed by Congress “to avoid unintended side effects while ensuring effectiveness and operational feasibility.”
If the bill is approved, the Federal Revenue Service will still need to regulate the measure by setting deadlines for the rules to take effect.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) said in a statement that the bill should contribute “decisively” to the fight against illegal gambling in Brazil. According to the association, payment methods are a key element in the operation of unregulated betting platforms, as they allow illegal operators to receive money from bettors.
“With the creation of legal mechanisms capable of disrupting this financial flow, it will be possible to weaken illegal activity and protect bettors,” ANJL wrote.
Banks, fintechs, and payment companies have already been prohibited from maintaining accounts and carrying out transactions for irregular betting companies since March of this year. At that time, the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) issued an ordinance establishing this rule.
According to data released by the SPA, 24 financial institutions reported irregularities and closed 255 accounts belonging to individuals and companies linked to the illegal betting market.
In the first half of this year, the secretariat opened 66 supervisory proceedings against 93 illegal betting brands, 35 of which resulted in sanctions. In addition, more than 15,400 illegal websites have been taken down by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) since October 2024.
Source: O Globo
