The operator has published seven checks to help consumers identify authorised platforms, cloned pages and fraudulent payment requests
Brazil’s regulated domain provides an important first filter, but customers must still confirm that they have reached the operator’s genuine website. Criminal sites can copy brand names, visual identities, advertisements and social media profiles without being authorised.
Esportes Gaming Brasil has issued consumer guidance explaining how to distinguish licensed betting platforms from illegal operators and attempted fraud.
The campaign was linked to National Online Betting Day, an industry-associated date observed on 20 August. It commemorates the 2024 priority deadline for companies seeking federal betting authorisation.
Since 1 January 2025, only companies authorised by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) may offer fixed-odds betting nationally in Brazil. Every federally authorised website must use a domain ending in .bet.br.
Carol Luna, Head of Compliance at Esportes Gaming Brasil
“.bet.br is the first filter, but security does not end with checking the domain. Consumers should consider the entire experience: who operates the brand, how identity is verified, where payments originate, which control tools are available and how customer support can be reached.”
Seven checks before registering or depositing
Esportes Gaming Brasil recommends that consumers examine the following areas:
- Confirm the operator’s authorisation: Check the company and brand against the official list maintained by the SPA and Ministry of Finance.
- Use verified access channels: Enter through the brand’s official website or verified social media accounts rather than relying solely on advertisements, sponsored search results or links sent through messages.
- Inspect the complete address: Confirm that the actual website hostname ends correctly in
.bet.br. Fraudulent pages may display the words “bet.br” elsewhere in a longer or misleading address. - Expect identity verification: Authorised operators must verify bettor information and use authentication controls that include facial recognition with proof of life.
- Check the payment flow: Funds must move between the operator and a bank or payment account held in the registered bettor’s name. Requests to transfer money to individuals or unrelated third parties should be treated as warning signs.
- Look for player-control tools: Regulated platforms must provide protections including financial and time limits and access to self-exclusion.
- Reject promises of guaranteed returns: Claims of certain profits, risk-free betting or guaranteed recovery of previous losses are strong indicators of misleading or fraudulent activity.
Identity checks protect accounts and minors
Brazilian rules require operators to collect identification information when an account is created. Initial authentication includes facial recognition with proof of life or another permitted biometric method where the customer has expressly consented.
Additional authentication requirements apply to sensitive actions such as withdrawals, changes to registration information, password recovery and the reopening of accounts following suspicious activity.
Carol Luna, Head of Compliance at Esportes Gaming Brasil
“Verification may initially seem like an additional step, but it serves a practical purpose. It helps prevent access by minors, misuse of another person’s identity, fraud and transactions that do not match the account holder.”
The payment requirements also prevent operators from accepting deposits from bank or payment accounts that do not belong to the registered player.
Protection continues after registration
Esportes Gaming Brasil said consumer safeguards should remain available throughout the customer journey rather than ending when an account is approved.
Authorised platforms must provide clear customer-support channels and tools that allow players to manage their gambling. These include deposit or loss controls, time limits and self-exclusion options.
Carol Luna, Head of Compliance at Esportes Gaming Brasil
“Safety is not simply about preventing fraud during registration. It also means providing transparency, access to control tools and support for anyone who decides to stop gambling.”
Consumers who remain uncertain can consult the Ministry of Finance’s current list of authorised companies, brands and domains before registering or transferring funds.
