Source: https://igamingfuturo.com/presentado/brasil-busca-estrangular-financieramente-a-las-casas-de-apuestas-clandestinas/
Brazil’s Finance and Taxation Committee in the Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that holds financial institutions accountable for negligence, omission, or involvement in financial transactions linked to illegal gambling and criminal activities.
This move brings Brazil closer to making banks responsible for handling operations of betting platforms that lack authorization to operate in the country. Despite regulations in place since the beginning of the year, illegal betting platforms continue to attract millions of Brazilian users—accounting for more than half of the fixed-odds online betting market.
The proposal encourages financial institutions to adopt effective mechanisms to identify, report, and mitigate the risks of such transactions. The rules also apply to other institutions supervised by the Central Bank and to all members of the Brazilian Payments System.
Bill 2359/25, introduced by Congressman Kim Kataguiri, now moves to its final review by the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee. It had already been approved by the Chamber, but amendments by the Senate sent it back to the Deputies.
Congressman Kim Kataguiri: Strangling illegal betting houses
The proposal strengthens mechanisms to prevent and control illicit activities related to illegal gambling and criminal organizations. According to its author, by making regulations clearer and more objective, the bill reduces legal loopholes that could otherwise be exploited to continue such operations.
“Moreover, it sends a strong signal to the illegal market that the State is alert and will not allow the financial system to be used for its own perpetuation,” Kataguiri explained.
Experts have long said that the best way to eliminate illegal betting platforms is to cut off their payment channels. Without financial flows, funding dries up and clandestine activity loses its appeal.
The government has taken note and introduced in Congress a separate bill that seeks to hold third parties accountable for tax collection in the online betting market. This creates pressure when it comes to payments or deposits made through unauthorized platforms.
The government’s proposal, introduced by its House leader Congressman José Guimarães (PLP No. 182/2025), establishes that individuals and companies promoting unlicensed online betting sites will be liable for taxes owed by such brands. Meanwhile, banks, fintechs, and payment companies would be responsible for collecting taxes from illegal betting operators if they allow transactions on these platforms.
Source: https://igamingfuturo.com/presentado/brasil-busca-estrangular-financieramente-a-las-casas-de-apuestas-clandestinas/