Betting: 77% of bettors admit to irregular conduct in Brazil.
A survey by the Locomotiva Institute released this Tuesday (August 11th) reveals that 77% of sports betting users in Brazil admit to having engaged in at least one irregular behavior when betting in the three months prior to data collection. Half of those interviewed reported engaging in at least two behaviors prohibited by law, which classifies them as illegal bettors according to the study's criteria, reports O Globo.
The survey reveals the persistence of a significant unlicensed market, even after the sector's regulation. The percentage of bettors who committed two or more irregularities fell from 62% in the first half of 2025 and from 55% in the second half of 2025 to 50% in May of this year — a current decrease, but still at a high level, according to the researchers themselves.
Most common irregular practices
The research identified four prohibited behaviors by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, linked to the Ministry of Finance, through a decree issued in 2024: betting on websites without facial recognition, using platforms without the “bet.br” domain, making deposits with credit cards, and operating with crypto assets. Among those interviewed, 53% bet on websites that did not require facial recognition and 48% used platforms outside the official domain.
Lawyer André Santa Rita, a specialist in regulatory law, says that "the requirement for facial recognition seeks to curb access by those prohibited from betting, such as minors and people who may have access to information about sporting events that are the subject of bets." Regarding the "bet.br" domain, he stated that it "is related to the identification of websites that operate throughout the national territory with government licenses, allowing bettors to know which national platforms are authorized."
Deposits via credit card were reported by 37% of respondents. The use of cryptocurrencies for gambling was admitted by 23%. Daniel Dias, a professor at FGV Direito Rio, classifies the credit card ban as a measure of "responsible gambling and prevention of over-indebtedness." Regarding cryptocurrencies, Dias says that "the objective is the prevention of money laundering, the identification of the origin of funds, and financial traceability."
Profile of irregular gamblers
The 18-29 age group has the highest proportion of illegal gamblers: 54% of respondents in this group engaged in at least two prohibited activities. Among those aged 50 or older, the rate drops to 43%. The gender distribution is similar: 51% of women and 49% of men admitted to at least two irregularities.
By income level, irregular behavior is evenly distributed. Among gamblers earning up to two minimum wages, the rate reaches 51%. Among those earning between two and six minimum wages, it is 49%; and above six minimum wages, it is 48%.
Among illegal gamblers, 51% say that unlicensed platforms are the only ones they use. Another 36% indicate them as the platforms where they place the majority of their bets.
Fee for inspection
Despite the exposure to risk, respondents demonstrate awareness of the problem. 77% also agree, fully or partially, that illegal betting is more dangerous because it does not comply with responsible gambling rules. The same percentage argues that combating these platforms should be a priority for authorities to prevent addiction.
According to 63% of those surveyed, the federal government can still do more against illegal websites and apps. The other 37% believe that the Executive branch is already acting within its capabilities. By July of this year, more than 54 illegal websites had been taken down by the government.
The demand for greater commitment is even prevalent among illegal gamblers themselves: 58% of this group advocate for firmer action.
Renato Meirelles, president of the Locomotiva Institute, states that "the study reveals a slight reduction in the participation of illegal betting, but still at high levels, with half of Brazilian bettors operating in the unlicensed market." He emphasizes that "there is almost a consensus that this problem needs to be addressed; even those who gamble on clandestine sites believe it is the country's duty to combat them more forcefully."
The survey polled 2.291 people in Brazil in May of this year. The margin of error is 2,1 percentage points.
