Brazil’s SPA Tightens Payment Blocks on Illegal Betting Operators with Updated Portaria

Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) has introduced new procedures for identifying and blocking payment transactions linked to unauthorised fixed-odds betting operators. Portaria SPA/MF No. 2,750, published on 14 September, replaces Portaria SPA/MF No. 566 from March 2025. The ordinance requires financial institutions, payment institutions and payment-arrangement providers to prevent, identify and repress transactions associated with illegal betting.

These rules mandate controls capable of spotting transactions intended to facilitate betting by unauthorised operators. Institutions must also block any activity tied to accounts subject to an SPA blocking notification. As reported by G3 Newswire, the SPA maintains a list of authorised operators—including corporate names, CNPJ numbers, brands and domains—to support detection efforts.

Provisions of Portaria SPA/MF No. 2,750

The regulation sets a formal investigation process before any SPA blocking order. Once notified, financial institutions have 24 hours to block the identified accounts and prevent fund movements. They must then notify the SPA within 48 hours that blocking measures are in place.

Institutions are required to monitor specific indicators of potential illegal betting activity. These include unusual transaction patterns, activity involving payment links, Pix keys and other mechanisms. The focus remains strictly on cutting financial flows to unauthorised operators while authorised entities continue under technical, tax and consumer-protection rules.

IBJR Endorsement and Call for Swift Action

The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gambling (IBJR) welcomed the measure as an important advance in combating the illegal market and strengthening the regulated fixed-odds betting sector. The association said restricting financial flows was one of the most effective measures for tackling illegal operators. It argued that preventing the movement of funds could protect consumers from fraud and abusive practices while preserving the integrity of the financial system.

The IBJR added that the rules would create more balanced competitive conditions for authorised operators. The association reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with authorities on implementation and said rapid rollout would be important to strengthen efforts against unauthorised betting. This positions financial controls as a core enforcement tool in Brazil’s regulated market.

Reporting: G3 Newswire

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