Beyond bet.br: 7 safety measures to avoid falling victim to fake betting scams.
The address ending in .bet.br is one of the main references for identifying a betting platform authorized to operate nationally in Brazil, but it should not be the only verification done by the consumer. Consulting the official list of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), checking the company's channels, observing the identification procedures, the payment methods, and the existence of responsible gaming tools are measures that help differentiate a regulated operation from clandestine sites, fake pages, or fraud attempts.
These guidelines gain relevance on August 20th, a date associated by the sector with National Online Betting Day. This milestone refers to August 20th, 2024, when the priority deadline for submitting authorization requests to the Ministry of Finance ended.
Since January 1, 2025, only companies authorized by SPA can operate nationally, and authorized websites use the .bet.br extension . However, checking the domain name requires caution: fake pages may reproduce names, visual elements, advertisements, and profiles similar to those of well-known brands to redirect the user to another address.
“ Bet.br is the first filter, but security doesn't end with domain verification. Consumers should consider the entire experience: who operates that brand, how their identity is verified, where payments can originate from, what control tools are available, and how to access customer service,” explains Carol Luna, Head of Compliance at Grupo Esportes Gaming Brasil.
Here are seven things to consider before registering or transferring funds on a betting platform:
- Consult the official SPA list.
The Prizes and Betting Secretariat maintains a public list of companies authorized to operate nationally. The page provides the company name, CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID), trademarks, respective domains, and authorization decree.
The search allows you to confirm whether the brand and, especially, the accessed address correspond to the data of an authorized company. The official list is updated by the Ministry of Finance and can be consulted free of charge by the consumer.
- Don't rely solely on ads or search results.
Sponsored ads, messages received through apps, social media profiles, and search engine results are not a substitute for verifying the address. Fake pages may reproduce the logos, colors, and campaigns of legitimate brands.
Access must be through the address confirmed on the SPA list or through the company's official channels. Shortened links, unusual variations in the brand name, spelling errors, and requests to complete registration outside the platform are warning signs.
- Check if the platform verifies your identity.
Regulated companies need to identify users. Registration involves confirming the bettor's data and authentication mechanisms, including facial recognition with proof of life.
Identity verification helps prevent unauthorized access, misuse of third-party data, and fraud, as well as allowing the operation to confirm whether the account is being used by the account holder themselves.
“Verifications may initially be perceived as an additional step, but they serve a concrete function. They help prevent access by minors, misuse of third-party identities, fraud, and transactions inconsistent with the account holder's information,” says Carol.
- Check out the payment methods.
In an authorized operation, funds must be transferred between the operator and a bank or payment account held in the name of the bettor. The use of credit cards and the granting of credit for betting are prohibited.
Therefore, payment requests to third-party accounts, deposits in other people's names, or offers to gamble using borrowed money are warning signs. Users should also not allow anyone else to use their registration or bank account to move funds.
- Look for tools for setting boundaries and self-exclusion.
Regulated platforms must offer protection mechanisms so that users can establish parameters for their activity, including prudential limits on financial and time losses.
There are also self-exclusion mechanisms. In addition to the possibility of blocking directly on a platform, the Ministry of Finance maintains a centralized platform that allows users to block access to accounts held on authorized websites all at once. The system also prevents new registrations associated with the CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID) and the receipt of targeted advertising from betting sites.
- Check if there are clear customer service channels.
An authorized operator must provide customer service channels for questions, complaints, and account-related requests, as well as information on responsible gambling.
Consumers should be wary of supposed customer service representatives who ask for passwords, authentication codes, or upfront payments to release funds. This information should not be shared.
- Be wary of promises of profit or recovery of losses.
Gambling should be understood as entertainment, not as an investment, a source of income, or a solution to financial difficulties. Promises of guaranteed winnings, risk-free methods, sure recovery of lost funds, or pressure to increase deposits are warning signs and go against the principles of responsible gambling.
“The regulated market needs to offer consumers enough information so that they can make informed decisions and recognize their own limitations. Security is not just about preventing fraud in registration. It is also about ensuring transparency, access to control tools, and support for those who decide to discontinue the activity,” the executive emphasizes.
Consistency must be observed throughout the entire experience.
Identifying an authorized platform doesn't end before the first deposit. Consumers should remain vigilant about how the company authenticates transactions, moves funds, presents information, offers customer service, and provides protection mechanisms.
If in doubt, the recommendation is to stop the registration or transaction, access the official channels directly, and consult the updated list of authorized service providers. If the address is not associated with an authorized company, the user should not provide documents, facial images, bank details, or make payments.
About Sports Gaming Brazil
Esportes Gaming Brasil is one of the leading betting groups in the country, operating 100% nationally and holding an official license granted by the Ministry of Finance through SPA/MF. The authorization covers its three brands: Esportes da Sorte, Onabet, and Lottu, operating throughout Brazil.
A leader in innovation and a champion of market regulation, the group's pillars are a commitment to responsible gaming and continuous investment in technologies for user control and well-being, also generating hundreds of jobs.
Beyond sports betting, Esportes da Sorte consistently invests in sports, culture, and social projects. It is the main sponsor of clubs such as Corinthians, Ceará, Ferroviária, and Náutico, and supports significant cultural initiatives such as Galo da Madrugada, Carnival in cities like Recife, Olinda, Salvador, Maceió, Natal, Caicó, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and the Parintins Festival. The brand also expands its digital presence through creative campaigns and partnerships with influencers, strengthening its connection with the public on online platforms.
