for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
On July 17, representatives from Brazilian banks met with the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA) to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape of fixed-odds betting. The discussion is part of Brazil’s ongoing effort to regulate the fast-growing online gambling and sports betting sector.
The meeting took place at the Ministry headquarters in Brasília and included representatives from the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban), Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, and Itaú. The main topic for debate was how to regulate “bets” — the umbrella term for fixed-odds sports betting and online gaming — and its direct influence on the nation’s financial system as well as the Brazilian consumer.
High-Level Representation and Key Concerns
SPA Secretary Regis Dudena and SPA’s General Coordinator for Anti-Money Laundering Monitoring, Carlos Renato Resende, welcomed the delegation. Rubens Sardenberg, Director of Prudential Regulation, Risk, and Economic Affairs, and Chief Economist, led the Febraban team.
The gathering also saw AML/CTF specialists, including Eli da Silva, Febraban’s Special Compliance Advisor and PLDFT (Prevenção à Lavagem de Dinheiro e ao Financiamento do Terrorismo). Banco do Brasil’s Corporate Security Director, Luiz Paulo Bittencourt, was also present, as well as Bradesco and Itaú’s PLDFT superintendents.
The other participants were Alceu De Petri Filho, Horciliano Marques, Núbia Tavares Oliveira, Fabian Franco, and Evandro Guerreiro, who are all active in various national-level AML compliance roles in their respective organizations.
Febraban’s Concerns and Appeal for Responsible Regulation
Febraban President Isaac Sidney has consistently complained about the social effects of betting websites, particularly on individual debt and money laundering risk. Sidney urged control solutions, including bans on the use of Pix — Brazil’s instant payment method — for online gaming.
If that cannot be done instantly, then maximum amounts on transactions should be imposed, the same way the Central Bank imposes them on night-time transfers,” Sidney explained. He also proposed that social welfare recipients be prevented from using Pix to wager.
According to a survey of December 2024 by Febraban, 59% of Brazilians prefer strong government interference in regulating the gambling market, while another 19% prefer moderate intervention.
ANJL Joint Ventures and Partnerships
In May 2025, Febraban hosted a visit in São Paulo by the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) that was headed by President Plínio Lemos Jorge and Legal Director Pietro Cardia Lorenzoni. The conference was facilitated during Febraban’s AML Committee meeting, organized by Sardenberg.
ANJL delegates pointed out the rogue platform threat and reiterated their commitment to playing by the rules. Lemos Jorge described the session as “very positive“, with Febraban leading the AML initiatives. “We emphasized the relevance of having financial institutions supporting the regulated market to provide a secure and transparent environment“, he stated.
Promoting Financial Education for Gamblers
In June 2025, as part of its regulatory support, SPA and Febraban formalized a partnership to create finance literacy programs. Such is the undertaking of the Brazilian Financial Health Index (I–SFB), an auto-assessment instrument created in collaboration between Febraban and the Central Bank of Brazil. It allows users, like gamblers, to review their finances and make more informed decisions.
In addition, Febraban also offers complimentary financial education courses on its website to encourage sound expenditure habits and fiscal independence.
The collaborative effort of the Ministry of Finance and Brazil’s largest banks is a reflection of the nation’s commitment toward regulating the betting business in an open, honest, and welfare-oriented manner. These new developments are a major step toward positive gambling behavior and fiscal security in a growing digital economy.
Source: BNL Data
