Brazil Takes a Stance against Riskier Games, Blocks a Dozen Sites

Brazil continues its journey toward regulated betting by taking action against games that are deemed harmful. To that end, the São Paulo Ministry of Finance targeted games that offer unrealistic returns, including titles such as Fortune Tiger and Fortune Dragon, among additional slots and other games.

A New Measure Will Restrict Predatory Games

The Ministry of Finance published an ordinance to regulate slots, card games and table games it deems are too predatory or overpromising. The new measure comes into force in January and will restrict such products.

According to a report by Games Magazine Brazil, this measure seeks to end the ambiguity about the legality of online slots by detailing how these games should work.

In addition to the controversial nature of the games in question, the ministry also accused certain operators of misleading players with unrealistic odds and prompting them to overspend. A police report, for context, claims that some people who played Fortune Tiger lost as much a $35K.

Authorities Blocked Approximately a Dozen Websites

In line with its effort to protect players from excessive gambling, Brazil decided to block a number of websites that offered such risky products. The list of blocked websites includes the following:

• 1993bet.com
• 4444king.com
• 7slots.casino
• 7yjogo.com
• 9f.com
• afun.com
• amuletobet.com
• bbajogo.com
• br678.com
• cxxbet.com
• hot777.com
• fresh.casino
• iribet.com
• ninecasino.com
• x1jogo.com

Brazilian authorities warned that the sites in question must withdraw from Brazil’s market, lest they face significant fines. Violators could be forced to pay as much as BRL 2 billion. However, as of yesterday, some of the websites were still accessible.

Brazil Wants a Robust and Fraud-Free Gaming Market

The current crackdown aligns with Brazil’s overall strategic shift toward a more regulated market. The country is in the process of regulating sports betting just closed its license application submissions window. New companies would still be able to apply for a license but will miss out on the market’s opening.

Brazil’s regulated betting market, for reference, is set to launch on January 1, 2025.

In the meantime, there are also efforts to regulate iGaming in the country. A robust regulatory system would prevent harmful offerings and would necessitate the enforcing of strict responsible gambling measures that would stop players from overspending.

Brazil also wants harsher punishments for sports manipulators as it targets a reliable and fraud-free betting and gaming market.

Speaking of fraud, Darwin Henrique da Silva Filho, who runs the betting company Esportes da Sorte, and his wife Maria Eduarda Quinto Filizola, recently turned themselves in to the Pernambuco Civil Police. The two are suspected of possible involvement in a money laundering scheme.