Brazil illegal betting platforms expose minors to gambling risks

Journalist Milton Figueiredo has highlighted the ease with which minors can access clandestine sports betting platforms, known as ‘bets’, in Brazil. The investigation underscores the risks posed by the illegal market and the difficulties in monitoring these unregulated sites.

Following federal government measures to prohibit certain betting activities, the illegal sector has seen significant activity. Between September 25 and October 6, the federal government referred more than 14,000 illegal sites for blocking, averaging over 1,100 per day.

Unlike authorized platforms, which are subject to oversight including age verification, identity checks, and responsible gaming rules, clandestine sites operate outside Brazilian regulations. This lack of control allows minors to bypass identity protections, increasing their exposure to gambling.