The number of suspicious online betting websites targeting Brazilian users has risen sharply following the country's recent restrictions on online gambling, according to new monitoring data from the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL). The findings suggest a significant shift in gambling activity toward unauthorized platforms since the implementation of the provisional measure prohibiting betting on September 25.
Sharp Increase in Suspicious Websites
Data from the LegitBet monitoring system, shared by ANJL, recorded 41,716 suspicious websites as of October 8, with 30,593 confirmed as matching monitored characteristics. On October 8 alone, 79 new suspicious sites were detected, and 55 were confirmed. Between October 2 and 7, daily detections ranged from 70 to 233 new domains. The monitoring focuses solely on websites targeting Brazilian users and excludes those already blocked by telecommunications regulator Anatel or operated by licensed companies.
Key Trends in Website Characteristics
The report highlights recurring features among these suspicious sites. Of the 55 domains confirmed on October 8, 82% contained numbers in their names, with several sharing the same name but different numerical combinations. The most common domain extension was .com (43.6%), followed by .vip (12.7%) and .bet (7.3%), with others including .org, .cc, .co, .net, and .top. Many sites promoted "Fortune games," offered payments via Brazil's PIX instant payment system, required only mobile phone registration, and advertised daily bonuses and referral rewards, with some promising payouts up to 1 million Brazilian reais.
Distribution Channels and Link Circulation
Suspicious betting sites are being discovered through a variety of channels. Search engines accounted for 32% of detections on October 8, existing databases for 30%, and previously monitored website networks for 18%. Telegram channels generated 13% of detections, with 90% of those confirmed as suspicious, while social media platforms like Kwai, Instagram, Reddit, and Snapchat contributed 8%.
The circulation of suspicious links has also increased dramatically. Before the ban, monitored channels distributed an average of 77 such links daily between September 8 and 23. After the ban, this figure rose to an average of 549 per day between October 1 and 7. The peak was on October 7, with 948 links, one day after authorized operators took their platforms offline, before declining to 733 on October 8.
Implications for the Industry
The surge in suspicious betting sites following the online gambling ban raises concerns for operators, affiliates, suppliers, and regulators. While authorities intended to curb unauthorized gambling, the data suggests that many bettors are turning to unregulated platforms instead of ceasing activity. This shift could undermine regulatory goals, increase risks for consumers, and complicate enforcement efforts. The prevalence of suspicious sites also poses challenges for affiliates and suppliers seeking to operate within legal frameworks, and may drive further scrutiny from regulators.
Key takeaways
- Suspicious betting websites have surged in Brazil after the online gambling ban.
- More than 41,000 suspicious sites were recorded, with daily detections increasing sharply.
- Distribution of suspicious links rose sevenfold after the ban, peaking the day after legal operators went offline.
- The findings suggest gambling activity is shifting to unauthorized platforms, raising regulatory concerns.
Update (19.10.2026)
Federal Revenue Secretary Robinson Barreirinhas and Guilherme Mello, executive secretary of the Ministry of Planning, have weighed in on the economic implications of the ban, noting that halting betting activities may not diminish overall economic activity, as consumer spending could shift to other sectors. Additionally, the report clarifies that individual betting sites are not automatically deemed illegal; their status is determined by authorities on a case-by-case basis. It is also highlighted that the monitoring data since October 5 pertains exclusively to websites targeting Brazilian users, and that unauthorized operators had already accounted for over 40% of betting activity during the 22 months of regulation.