Key Moments:
- IBJR has launched BetAlert, a tool allowing bettors to instantly verify if a gambling site is authorized by the Federal Government.
- Research indicates between 41% and 51% of Brazil’s gambling industry continues to operate illegally.
- Unpaid taxes from illicit betting activity are estimated at R$1.8 billion to R$2.7 billion over three months.
Introduction of BetAlert
The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), which brings together top local and international operators, has unveiled BetAlert – an innovative platform designed to assist bettors in confirming whether a betting website is fully regulated by the nation’s federal authorities. This initiative has been launched as part of the “Chega de Bode na Sala” campaign aimed at directing players toward safe, licensed operators approved by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF).
How BetAlert Works
BetAlert is accessible online via a dedicated hotsite (https://betalert.com.br/). Users can enter the URL of any betting operator, and the system quickly validates its status. If regulated, BetAlert displays: “Tudo certo. Essa bet é autorizada pelo Governo Federal.” If not, users are shown: “Atenção. Essa bet não é autorizada pelo Governo Federal.” The platform’s instant feedback is designed to make it easier for consumers to choose authorized betting avenues.
Fernando Vieira, IBJR executive president, emphasized the tool’s importance by stating: “IBJR welcomes tools and technology that spread the word about the industry. BetAlert is highly significant, and we expect it to be widely used by bettors and by Brazilian society. It’s our role to ensure access to all the benefits of regulation, with player protection as the focal point.”
Market Analysis Underscores Illicit Activity
The introduction of BetAlert has coincided with revealing findings published by Instituto Locomotiva. Their survey, conducted among 2,000 adult bettors during April and May 2025, found that 41% to 51% of Brazil’s gambling market is still outside the legal framework. Fiscal losses are significant: a study by consultancy LCA measured R$1.8 billion to R$2.7 billion in forgone tax revenue during a three-month period, pointing to a possible R$10.8 billion annually in uncollected taxes.
| Survey Finding | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Struggled to differentiate legal from illegal sites | 78% |
| Unable to consistently check platform legitimacy | 72% |
| Admitted to investing in rogue or anomalous websites | 46% |
| Used at least one illegal site mapped in 2025 | 73% |
These numbers highlight both the prevalence of illegal betting and the urgent need for cost-effective verification solutions such as BetAlert.
Guidelines for Identifying Licensed Operators
In addition to the launch of BetAlert, IBJR has outlined several rules to help consumers identify licensed operators:
- Legitimate platforms use the “.bet.br” domain.
- Strict registration procedures, including facial recognition, aim to prevent minors from participating.
- Operators must collect ID documents and verify player identities.
- Regulated sites provide options for deposit and time limits, along with technology to detect hazardous gaming behavior.
- Permitted payments include PIX and bank debit from the account holder only, excluding credit cards and cryptocurrency.
- Self-exclusion features must be available to encourage responsible betting.
Promoting a Safe and Regulated Industry
Established in 2023, IBJR comprises leading global and Brazilian betting brands such as bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, Flutter (Betfair), BetMGM, Betano, EstrelaBet, and partners including OKTO, Better Collective, Clever Advertising, OneKey Payments, and GeoComply. The group’s dual mission is to curtail illegal gambling and foster a responsible market environment. The launch of BetAlert underscores IBJR’s commitment to transparency and consumer protection as Brazil’s regulated betting market evolves.
- Author
Daniel Williams
