President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed Decree 13.033/2026, one of the most aggressive measures adopted so far by Brazil against the illegal online betting market. The regulation implements Article 21-A of Law 14.790/2023 and authorizes the Federal Government to block bank accounts, freeze financial resources, and pursue the seizure of assets linked to fixed-odds betting operators that operate without federal authorization.
The new enforcement mechanism will be executed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance, headed by Daniele Correa Cardoso, under the supervision of Executive Secretary Dario Durigan, who described the measure as a form of “financial suffocation” against illegal betting operators, commonly known as illegal bets. Once the SPA identifies an unauthorized operation, it will issue an Auto de Constatação de Irregularidade (Notice of Irregularity) and directly notify banks, fintech companies, and payment institutions to freeze the related accounts. Financial institutions will have 24 hours to implement the block and 48 hours to confirm compliance. The Central Bank of Brazil will be notified simultaneously to oversee enforcement.
Dario Durigan
The decree also relies on provisions contained in Brazil’s so-called Anti-Crime legislation, which introduced asset forfeiture mechanisms traditionally used against organized criminal groups. Following the initial freeze, the National Secretariat of Public Security (Senasp), under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, will conduct the administrative proceedings.
If the illegal activity is confirmed, the Office of the Attorney General of the Union (AGU) may seek a court order for the permanent confiscation of the assets, with the proceeds transferred to the National Public Security Fund. Justice Minister Wellington Lima stated that recovered funds will be directed toward the federal Brazil Against Organized Crime Program.
Wellington César Lima e Silva
The crackdown follows a broader enforcement campaign in which the SPA and Anatel blocked more than 50,000 illegal domains, identified nearly 350 illegal operators, and detected 37 financial institutions that processed transactions linked to unauthorized betting activities. At the same time, Ordinance 1.766/2026 expanded joint tax liability rules for banks, fintechs, and payment processors that continue facilitating transactions for unlicensed operators.
ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge
The decree received support from major regulated industry organizations, including the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) and the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL). According to ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge, the measure strengthens consumer protection, combats tax evasion, and removes competitive advantages enjoyed by operators that remain outside Brazil’s regulated betting framework.
