The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has emphasized that online gambling platforms in Brazil are strictly for adults aged 18 and older. This warning comes as part of an ongoing effort to prevent minors from accessing betting sites, with the association urging parents and guardians to cooperate in enforcing these age restrictions.
Age restrictions and legal framework:
According to the ANJL, legal gambling platforms in Brazil have implemented safeguards such as requiring users to submit their CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registration) number and undergo facial recognition checks to verify their age. These measures, mandated by Brazilian laws such as Law 14,790/2023 and Ordinance No. 1,231 from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), aim to restrict gambling access to adults. However, the association points out that the enforcement of this regulation is heavily reliant on the role of parents and guardians, who must not facilitate underage access by allowing minors to use their personal information. Allowing children to bypass these regulations by using adult data constitutes a punishable crime.
In a statement released on January 28, 2025, ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge expressed that while the association has worked hard to create mechanisms that block minors from accessing legal betting sites, the responsibility ultimately falls on parents and guardians. “The Association has done its part, creating mechanisms to prevent access by minors. But awareness-raising actions also need to be embraced by those responsible for these people,” Lemos Jorge stated, as reported by Games Magazine Brazil (GMB).
The association’s concern is heightened by the presence of illegal gambling platforms that operate without following the age restrictions required by Brazilian law. These unauthorized sites allow minors to access betting services without the need for proper verification, which creates an even greater risk. “Legalized platforms follow the guidelines imposed by Brazilian legislation. And, therefore, we have been able to implement ways to prevent access by minors. In the case of websites that are not authorized to operate in the country, the reality is different. Children are not only able to access them without proper registration, but are also encouraged to play,” Lemos Jorge warned.
ANJL’s efforts to raise awareness:
The ANJL also drew attention to its efforts in raising awareness, including the launch of an educational campaign titled “Betting is not a child’s thing.” This campaign, initiated in October 2024, aims to educate the adult population about the dangers of minors using gambling platforms. The association urges the public to take responsibility and be vigilant about ensuring that children are not exposed to online betting.
With the Brazilian gambling sector now officially regulated, ANJL has been a strong advocate for responsible gaming practices. It represents several key players in the industry, including BetNacional and Big Brazil, and has been actively involved in promoting both legal and secure gambling.
Additionally, the regulation has also led to the SPA’s efforts to clamp down on any marketing that targets minors. In December 2024, the SPA issued Normative Ordinance No. 1,902, which banned advertising aimed at children or featuring content appealing to minors. The ordinance also required that all marketing materials display an “18+” symbol or a message clearly stating that the platform is prohibited for underage individuals.
