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Brazil President Lula signs decree to block funds from illegal online betting operators
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Decree 13.033/2026 authorising the immediate blocking of financial accounts linked to illegal online "bet" operators. The decree requires the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) to issue an auto‑de constatação, after which banks and fintechs must freeze the identified assets within 24 hours and report compliance within 48 hours. Blocked resources are to be transferred to the National Public Security Fund to support the fight against organized crime.
The measure follows the joint “Operation Conto da Sorte” carried out on 18 June 2026 by the Public Ministries of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, the Federal Revenue Service and state police in Pernambuco, Ceará and São Paulo. Fourteen search and seizure warrants were executed, targeting seven individuals and six companies, and aiming to secure up to R$ 145 million in assets. Investigators say the scheme moved billions of reais through roughly 350 operators, 50 000 illegal betting sites and 37 financial institutions. The operation also uncovered a network of shell companies and “front‑person” owners.
The government’s broader crackdown includes new responsibilities for banks, fintechs and influencers, a partnership between the Ministries of Justice and Finance to curb manipulative betting app designs, and a tax regime for promoters of illegal bets. The effort is intended to curb a booming betting market amplified by the World Cup and to redirect illicit proceeds to public security.