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With an unprecedented campaign, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) reminds that tackling illegal gambling and discussing interest rates are part of the same agenda.

The regulated sector advocates for strict measures against illegal operations, which move BRL 38 billion annually without paying taxes.

IBJR warns that 51% of bets still take place on illegal platforms and that the unregulated market moves BRL 38 billion annually without generating revenue for the country.

Cracking down on the illegal betting market could generate more revenue for the government than imposing additional taxes.

In addition to disregarding regulations and fueling organized crime, illegal betting operations fail to generate an estimated R$10.8 billion in taxes each year, according to André Gelfi, advisory director and co-founder of the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR).

The acting president of an institute representing 70% of the regulated digital betting sector criticizes the lack of dialogue in the debate over taxation.

Online betting companies are expected to generate US$4.139 billion (around R$22 billion) in revenue in Brazil in 2025, positioning the country as the fifth-largest market in the world for the sector, according to data obtained exclusively by BBC News Brazil from the international consultancy Regulus Partners, which specializes in the sports and leisure industry.

The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) states that raising taxes on licensed operators could weaken the regulated market and reduce tax revenue.

The Institute warns that raising the tax rate from 12% to 18% could lead bettors to migrate to illegal platforms that do not follow Brazilian protection regulations; see the official statement.