SPA-MF takes action against 33 financial institutions for illegal betting transactions

Luiz Vinicius
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SPA-MF takes action against 33 financial institutions for illegal betting transactions

The Treasury Department’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA-MF) has notified 33 financial and payment institutions due to the processing of transactions linked to unauthorized bets. For this reason, each entity may receive a fine of up to R$2 billion.

These institutions must provide clarifications to the Secretariat within 10 days. If the investigation proves bad faith or the absence of measures to prevent irregular operations, the agency will initiate administrative proceedings and may impose official fines.

SPA did not reveal which institutions are involved. ABFintech, representing part of the sector, stated that there is consensus on the legal commitment. According to the entity, “there is a consensus in the market that betting platforms should exclusively contract duly regulated financial or payment institutions”.

The Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) sent a note highlighting the entity’s concern with the “social and economic aspects” of games, such as the risk of increased individualization.

Rules for reporting suspicious betting transactions

In March, the SPA adopted an ordinance requiring payment institutions to report any suspicious activity related to betting. Whenever there are indications of unauthorized operations, the responsible body must receive a notification within 24 hours after detecting the irregularity.

The report submitted to the Secretariat must indicate the specific reasons for the suspicion and provide detailed information about the payment or deposit account of the suspected operator. The institution includes the National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ), the company’s corporate name, the start date of the relationship and, if applicable, the associated Pix key.

This ordinance also prevents institutions from maintaining accounts for betting companies without official authorization from the Ministry of Finance. In addition, deposits or transfers of prizes into these accounts are not permitted.

Pay4Fun Director talks about websites disconnected from the platform

In the fintech sector, the new rule resulted in the large-scale removal of unauthorized platforms. At Pay4Fun, which serves around 30 authorized platforms, more than 600 sites were disconnected.

Leonardo Baptista, CEO of Pay4Fun — Photo: Disclosure

Leonardo Baptista, the company’s CEO, explained: “The company conducts a documentary survey on the websites that request the company’s services. As soon as the financial services provider is contacted by a platform, it conducts a process known as KYM, an acronym for ‘know your merchant’. With this, we check the SPA’s license to see if the company is listed as one of the companies authorized to operate in the country.”

The crackdown on irregular platforms began on January 1st of this year, the date the regulation of the segment came into effect.

The representative of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gambling (IBJR), Fernando Vieira, said: “The legal framework is positive and works well, but the illegal market continues to be a challenge to be overcome”. The association represents the authorized houses in the country. According to the association, 75% of the Brazilian betting market is regulated.

The IBJR also points out that around 50% of the sector still operates without regulation. The entity considers the “strangulation of financial operations” crucial to address the problem. Vieira pointed out: “There is still a very large regulation of illegal betting sites.

So, where is the mechanism that we understand and have been working on to try to stifle this illegal market? It is through financial delivery, because any bet, to be completed, will require a financial transaction, a Pix”.

IBJR complaints and blocking of illegal betting sites

In order to curb irregular practices, the IBJR sends reports with complaints to the Prizes and Betting Department every two weeks. Vieira said: “The complaints are not only about illegal websites and operators, but also about the financial transactions behind these illegal bets.”

President of the IBJR, Fernando Vieira – Photo: Saulo Cruz/Senate Agency

The IBJR has already filed around 150 complaints with the federal agency. Based on this information, the expectation is that the SPA and the Central Bank will work together to “stifle illegal operations.” Vieira says that this action will result in the structuring of a safer market. He believes that “consumers will be directed to the legal market, which is where Brazilian regulations provide many protection mechanisms.”

Between October 2024 and May 2025, the secretariat ordered the blocking of around 13,000 unauthorized betting sites in Brazilian territory. The Ministry of Finance is currently analyzing 36 requests from companies that wish to operate fixed-odds bets.

Each operator can register up to three domains under its license. According to the SPA, two companies obtained two licenses each, paying R$60 million for the exploitation of up to six brands.

To secure the definitive license, the company is required to pay R$30 million in advance for the license. After the companies were regularized through an administrative act of the SPA, the government collected R$2.16 billion in royalties.

Aracaju City Council approves creation of municipal lottery

Luiz Vinicius
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Aracaju City Council approves creation of municipal lottery

The Aracaju City Council approved, in the first round of voting, the project that proposes the creation of the Municipal Lottery. The funds raised will be allocated to health, education, social assistance, sports, leisure and culture.

In the session held last Thursday (8), councilor Isac Silveira (União Brasil), author of the project, highlighted: “The creation of LOCAJU reflects a trend that is growing throughout the country”.

According to Isac Silveira, this initiative represents a relevant strategy to increase the city’s revenue and can generate millions in revenue for Aracaju.

On the other hand, councilman Lúcio Flávio (PL) expressed concern about the accelerated processing of the proposal. For him, “the most prudent thing would be to wait for the position of the Supreme Federal Court, which will assess whether official lotteries are the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union”.

The matter will still need to undergo further votes in the Chamber before it can be effectively implemented. Discussions should continue until all points are clarified.

Botucatu municipal lottery will receive R$7.5 million investment

Municipal lotteries have become a trend in the country. For example, in São Paulo, the City Hall of Botucatu recently announced the creation of the Municipal Lottery, which represents the first Public-Private Partnership of the current administration.

In this sense, the SPLOTO Consortium will be responsible for the operation and will invest approximately R$7.5 million over five years. In addition, the concession will last 20 years.

The City Hall will allocate all the funds collected to Botuprev, the Municipal Pension Institute. This will provide relief to the public coffers, allowing new investments in other areas. It is important to note that the initiative follows federal legislation, which authorizes state and municipal lotteries.

The Botucatu lottery will have six modalities: passive, numerical predictions, specific predictions, sports predictions, exclusive instant and fixed-odds bets. Thus, bettors will be able to choose between physical or virtual tickets and different types of bets.

The City Hall and the SPLOTO consortium have already signed the concession contract. Therefore, the initial phase will take place over the next six to eight weeks, with the installation of the booths and points of sale. Soon after this stage, the sale of tickets and bets will begin, expanding the entertainment options and local investments.

Bookmakers: Treasury raises R$7.1 million per month in inspection fees

Carlos Eduardo Petruchio
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Bookmakers: Treasury raises R$7.1 million per month in inspection fees

From January to March this year, the Ministry of Treasury collected R$21.4 million in inspection fees for online betting companies. The period corresponds to the first three months of operation of the regulated betting market in the country.

According to data released by Coluna do Estadão, the Treasury received R$6.8 million in January; R$7.2 million in February; and R$7.4 million in March. The figures are from the Access to Information Act. On average, the monthly amount in the quarter was R$7.1 million. The transfer for April is not detailed by the ministry.

The inspection fee is paid by each website linked to the bookmaker, according to the money spent on the company’s operating and maintenance. However, the payment refers to commercial exploitation, so it is transferred to the National Treasury account.

The “Bets Law” has been sanctioned in Brazil since December 2023, after its approval by the National Congress. In 2024, the Ministry of Treasury regulated the matter and detailed rules for the operation of the sector.

To operate in the country for the next five years, each company had to pay a grant of R$30 million. In addition, they must comply with a series of legal requirements, such as combating fraud, money laundering and abusive advertising.

Betting companies complain to the Treasury about difficulties with Apple and Google services

In recent weeks, licensed betting companies have complained to the ministry, without success, that Google and Apple are banning betting companies’ apps on their devices. The Play Store, the app store for Android mobile phones, only allows Caixa lottery and horse racing apps. Betting companies consider Google’s stance to be inconsistent.

According to the statement sent to the Estadão portal column in April, Google stated: “In Brazil, Google Play policies currently allow only a limited group of gambling apps, such as lottery apps published by Caixa Econômica Federal and horse racing apps. This policy remains unchanged. Any changes to our policies are carefully evaluated.”

Gabriela Novello becomes a partner at Chips Entertainment and takes on the role of CCO

Cristina Possamai
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Gabriela Novello becomes a partner at Chips Entertainment and takes on the role of CCO

Chips Entertainment, an innovative company specializing in the development and distribution of online and VLT games, has just announced a new phase in its trajectory. Gabriela Novello, entrepreneur and founder of GN empower, joins the company’s team as a partner and assumes the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

In this way, the partnership marks a new stage of strategic growth for Chips, which continues to expand its presence in Brazil and seeks to expand into other global markets.

“I had the opportunity to see Chips’ seriousness and technological capabilities up close as a consultant. The company has an innovative vision, and I am certain that, together, we will further expand the reach of our games and strengthen our global presence,” says Gabriela Novello, who is now taking over the leadership of Chips Entertainment’s commercial areas.

Chips Entertainment, which has been operating in the gaming market for 15 years developing games for video lotteries and online, sees Gabriela’s arrival as an opportunity to strengthen its expansion and innovation strategy.

With a diversified portfolio, the company is in the process of certifying exclusive games for the Brazilian market, such as São João, Viva Rio Riches, and Parintins. This is a game developed with a unique interactive tool where players can place bets by choosing between two teams, in addition to other titles that will be released in the coming months.

Portfolio expansion

In addition, the company also announced that it intends to expand its product portfolio to meet the demands of global markets.

“Gabriela is an outstanding professional, with a strategic vision that perfectly aligns with our mission of creating exceptional experiences for players. Her entry as partner and CCO is an important step towards strengthening our position in the Brazilian market and expanding our presence on the global stage,” says Alexandre Esteban, CEO of Chips Entertainment.

About Chips Entertainment

Thus, Chips Entertainment is a global gaming provider known for its ability to create immersive digital experiences that captivate players across multiple platforms.

With a portfolio of innovative games and a team of talented developers, the company stands out for its creativity, quality and commitment to innovation. Therefore, Chips Entertainment is constantly seeking new challenges to transform the gaming industry and offer high-quality entertainment.

EstrelaBet strengthens its position abroad with its presence on panels at the SBC Summit Americas

Luiz Vinicius
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EstrelaBet strengthens its position abroad with its presence on panels at the SBC Summit Americas

EstrelaBet will participate in the SBC Summit Americas, which will take place from May 13 to 15 at the Broward County Convention Center in Florida (USA). The company’s Chief Business Officer (CBO), Fellipe Fraga, will be a speaker on two panels scheduled for the 14th.

Throughout the event, experts will discuss strategic issues that influence the development of the sports betting market in Latin America. In the panels with the participation of the EstrelaBet representative, there will be an emphasis on the Brazilian scenario of this segment.

Fellipe Fraga says: “We are celebrating six years of operation at a time when the sports betting market in Brazil is reaching a new level. EstrelaBet has been present since the first movements of this sector in the country, actively contributing to its consolidation.

Participating in the SBC Summit Americas is more than an international showcase — it is recognition of the role that Brazil and EstrelaBet have been playing globally. It is an opportunity to showcase how we are at the forefront of regulation, technological innovation, user experience and responsibility in the industry.”

In the panel “LATAM LEADERS – Beyond Brazil: balancing growth across Latam’s other markets”, the debate will revolve around the difficulties faced by operators in distributing resources in Latin America, analyzing how to balance attention to other countries in the region, considering that Brazil is leading this expansion.

In the panel “Security and Growth: How EstrelaBet is Improving UX with KYC”, participants will analyze how EstrelaBet improves the user experience using KYC (Know Your Customer) technology. The company uses facial recognition and document reuse to speed up the user onboarding process to the platform.

About EstrelaBet

EstrelaBet stands out as the largest national gamingtech and operates in the Brazilian iGaming market with a definitive license. Among the titles, it won the award for “Best Sports Betting Operator in Brazil” and “Rising Star of the Year” by the SBC Awards Latinoamérica 2022.

In addition, consecutive awards at the SiGMA Americas Awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, it won at the BiS Awards in the categories “Best Action to Combat Gambling Addiction” and “Best Customer Service”.

With headquarters in Belo Horizonte and São Paulo, the company is recognized for investing in innovation, responsible gaming, appropriate advertising and support for both sports and entertainment.

In partnership with FUMEC University, it develops innovative projects to prevent pathological gambling, applying advanced technology to offer security and psychological support. To maintain the integrity of the games, it relies on rigorous internal processes and partnerships with Genius Sports and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

In 2023, EstrelaBet became the first betting company in Brazil to officially sponsor a FIFA event, the Women’s World Cup™. This milestone expanded its international reach and demonstrated significant dedication to the development of various sports.

In Brazil, the company intensifies its support through sports initiatives, broadcasts, cultural activities and media projects, strengthening the relationship with the public and promoting entertainment.

Casino Bill to be voted on this semester in the Senate

Carlos Eduardo Petruchio
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Casino Bill to be voted on this semester in the Senate

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) intends to vote on Bill 2234/22 this semester, which legalizes, among other modalities, land-based casinos. The information comes from the rapporteur, Senator Irajá (PSD-TO), who disclosed it to journalists at a meeting this Thursday (8).

Since June of last year, the project has already been approved, despite the tight score, in the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ). At the time, Alcolumbre still occupied the presidency of the committee.

Irajá stated that the proposal already has majority support, but talks between the government and Congress are ongoing. According to the senator, discussions are ongoing with the Treasury, Planalto and the Ministries of Tourism and Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC).

Project authorizes games such as casinos, bingo and horse betting

The bill authorizes the operation of several types of gambling in Brazil, such as casinos, jogo do bicho, bingo and horse betting. In addition, it establishes the incidence of the Economic Domain Intervention Contribution for Games (CIDE-Jogos).

According to the decision, with a rate of 17% on revenue earned from gaming operations. Regarding Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ), a rate of 20% will be levied on net prizes obtained.

A survey conducted in April this year by DataSenado based on the opinions of 44 million Brazilians showed that 60% of the population is in favor of legalizing gambling. Furthermore, 75% consider the current ban ineffective. It is based on this data that Senator Irajá intends to seek consensus within the Senate to approve the measure.

Some opposition senators have spoken out against the measure, such as Eduardo Girão (Novo-CE) and Marcos Rogério (PL-RO). The main argument against it is the risk of an increase in cases of gambling addiction (gambling addiction) and money laundering.

The project has already been analyzed by the Chamber and now depends on the decision of the President of the Senate to schedule it in plenary.

Botucatu is another city to have a municipal lottery service

Carlos Eduardo Petruchio
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Botucatu is another city to have a municipal lottery service

Last Thursday (8), the City Hall of Botucatu announced the launch of its municipal lottery. According to the announcement, the service is the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of Mayor Fábio Leite’s administration and foresees the operation of its own lottery that will allow investments in the city.

According to information on the City Hall website, the SPLOTO Consortium will be responsible for operating the Municipal Lottery. The consortium will also invest approximately R$7.5 million to implement the system over a five-year period. The concession with SPLOTO is valid for 20 years.

The amounts received by the City Hall, due to this contract, will be fully allocated to Botuprev (Botucatu City Hall Pension Institute). In addition, it will help to relieve the municipal public coffers, allowing the City Hall to invest resources in other areas of the city.

Furthermore, the Botucatu Municipal Lottery follows federal legislation that allows states and municipalities to create their own lotteries.

Lottery will feature six game types

Check below the approved modalities for the Botucatu municipal lottery:

  • Passive Modality: the bettor purchases a numbered ticket, in physical (printed) or virtual (electronic) form.
  • Numerical Predictions Modality: the bettor tries to predict which numbers will be drawn in the contest.
  • Specific Forecast Modality: lottery modality established by federal law nº 11.345/2006.
  • Sports Predictions Modality: the bettor tries to predict the outcome of sporting events.
  • Exclusive Instant Mode: immediately shows whether or not the bettor has won the prize.
  • Fixed-Odds Betting Modality: consists of a betting system relating to real or virtual events in which it is defined, at the time of placing the bet, how much the bettor can win if the prediction is correct.

Implementation and commercialization

The concession contract between the City Hall and the SPLOTO consortium has already been signed and is now moving into the implementation phase.

Therefore, in this first stage, which will take place over the next eight weeks, the lottery shops and service sales locations will be implemented.

Thus, after implementation, the municipal lottery will begin selling tickets and betting options.

Cactus Gaming partners with Kim Camelo for Endurance Brazil season

Luiz Vinicius
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Cactus Gaming partners with Kim Camelo for Endurance Brazil season

Cactus Gaming, renowned for its performance in the iGaming sector in Brazil, has confirmed a new strategic partnership with Brazilian driver Kim Camelo. The agreement, valid for the Endurance Brasil season, begins this weekend, May 10th and 11th, in the opening stage with a double round of the championship.

Thus, Cactus Gaming advances in strengthening its involvement in national motorsports and reinforces its support for Brazilian talents in the sport.

Kim Camelo, a standout in the touring car and endurance championships, drives the #64 BMW M2 CS for the Eurobike team, prepared by MC Tubarão, in the GT4 Light category. The driver is already among the top prospects in the Brazilian automotive scene.

In January 2025, Camelo staged a historic comeback during the Mil Milhas de Interlagos. Along with Henry and Enzo Visconde and Fernando Gorayeb, the team suffered a technical setback, falling to 70th place overall.

Despite the adversities, they recovered positions and finished the race in sixth place overall, winning the GT4 Light title seven laps ahead of their rivals. The feat marked Camelo’s second consecutive title in this competition, repeating the success of 2024.

The previous season was also marked by impressive results for Camelo, including several podiums, such as in Goiânia, proving his regularity and competence in the competitions.

Details of the partnership between Cactus Gaming and Kim Camelo

Kim Camelo emphasizes: “Cactus is a solid company, with a strong presence in international motorsports, including with driver Sérgio Sette Câmara. For me, this partnership makes perfect sense, especially in the Brazilian endurance universe.

For 2025, we will debut a brand new BMW M4 GT3 and officially begin this journey with Cactus. I am confident that we have everything we need to fight for the title.”

According to Tiago Silva, Chief Business Officer of Cactus: “Kim Camelo is a young, talented and determined driver, characteristics that perfectly align with Cactus’ values. We are excited to support him this season, reinforcing our commitment to Brazilian sports and expanding our connections with audiences who share this passion.”

The partnership, therefore, seeks to bring the Cactus brand closer to an audience passionate about speed, promoting innovation, excitement and integration between the company and sport on national tracks.

Endurance Brasil official schedule

May 9, 2025 – Friday

  • 1:35pm to 2:15pm: Official Free Practice 1 – GT3 and GT4
  • 2:20pm to 3:00pm: Official free practice 1 – P1
  • 12:00 to 02:10 pm: Weighing of the pilots
  • 3:05pm to 3:45pm: Official Free Practice 2 – GT3 and GT4
  • 3:50pm to 4:30pm: Official free practice 2 – P1
  • 4:35pm to 4:55pm: GT4 qualifying session
  • 5:00 pm to 5:20 pm: GT3 qualifying session
  • 5:25pm to 5:45pm: P1 qualifying session
  • 6:00 p.m.: Briefing Pilotos

May 10, 2025 – Saturday

  • 08:00 am to 03:30 pm: Team support / Fuel
  • 08:00 am to 03:30 pm: Tire assembly
  • 09:00 to 05:00 pm: Secretary
  • 08:00 am to 09:30 am: Technical inspection in the pits
  • 08:00 am to 01:30 pm: Porsche Club
  • 10:30 am to 11:20 am: Visitation and Promotional Hours
  • 1:40 pm: Box opening
  • 1:50 pm: Box closing
  • 1:55 pm: Brazilian National Anthem
  • 2:00 pm: 5-minute board
  • 2:05 pm: Departure of the Three Hours of Interlagos
  • 5:30 pm: Podium ceremony
  • 2:15 pm: Start

May 11, 2025 – Sunday

  • 06:00 am: Event starts – Bike Series
  • 07:50 am to 07:55 am: Briefing
  • 08:00 am: Bike Series Start
  • 10:20 am: Bike Series Arrival
  • 11:00 am: Podium
  • 10:30 am to 11:20 am: Visitation and Promotional Hours
  • 11:30am to 11:50am: Warm-up
  • 1:00 pm: Box opening
  • 1:10 pm: Box closing
  • 1:15 pm: Brazilian National Anthem
  • 1:25pm: 5 minute board
  • 1:30 pm: Departure of the Three Hours of Interlagos
  • 5:30 pm: Podium ceremony
  • 6:30 pm: Access of trucks

Treasury issues technical note clarifying betting taxation rules

Luiz Vinicius
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Treasury issues technical note clarifying betting taxation rules

Technical Note SEI No. 1263/2025/MF, published by the Ministry of Finance’s Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA-MF), provides clear guidance on calculating Net Betting Revenue (Gross Gaming Revenue – GGR) for sports betting operators.

The text responds to the request of congressman Gilson Marques and clarifies how rewards, both withdrawable and non-withdrawable, are included in the GGR base. As the market advances, understanding these rules becomes essential for operators and

First of all, the Ministry of Treasury differentiates between the two main types of rewards. When a bettor receives a withdrawable reward, the amount is only included in the GGR after it has been converted into an effective bet. Therefore, the money is not included in the calculation immediately. The goal is to ensure that only amounts used in bets are included in the collection base.

The non-withdrawable reward follows a different path. Whenever the operator releases this amount, it must be included in the GGR. There is no need to wait for the user to bet. Since the resource can only be used for betting, inclusion is automatic, according to the Ministry’s guidelines. This dynamic seeks to create a balance between incentive and responsibility.

Control over betting offers

Furthermore, the technical note highlights the importance of controlling these offers. Operators should not abuse non-withdrawable rewards. Otherwise, the risk of encouraging excessive betting increases.

Therefore, regulation limits excesses and imposes barriers to protect the consumer. The Prizes and Betting Secretariat details that this control prevents harmful practices. In the same way, it strengthens the commitment to responsible gaming.

Another highlight is the requirement to present these rewards separately in the user’s balance. This makes it easier to understand the amounts for withdrawal and for betting. Therefore, the process becomes more transparent, benefiting both the bettor and the operator.

The Technical Note also reinforces the role of the ministry itself in regulating the sector. Whenever a doubt arises, it is up to the Secretariat to create effective guidelines. By defining these standards, the government advances in responsibility and ensures legal certainty.

Check out the SEI Technical Note No. 1263/2025/MF in full:

Technical Note-SEI-no-1263-2025-MFDownload
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