Brazil has mandated that banks and payment systems shut down accounts linked to illegal gambling operations within 24 hours. This directive was announced following the release of Ordinance SPA/MF 2,750 on September 14, 2026, which revokes regulations from March 2025. Financial institutions must actively monitor for illegal gambling activities and are expected to take action upon notification from the Superintendence of Finance (SPA).
Once alerted about suspected illegal gambling operations, banks and payment systems are required to close the identified accounts and cease payments to those operators within one day. Additionally, they must report the actions taken to the SPA within two days. The ordinance outlines various indicators that could suggest illegal gambling transactions, including:
– Multiple small fund transfers
– Sudden spikes in account activity
– Suspicious behavior by account holders
– Use of terms related to betting, bonuses, or payments
– Alterations in Pix keys, QR codes, or payment links
– Employment of third-party accounts for fund transfers.
These regulations aim to strengthen compliance with Brazil’s existing tax laws, holding financial institutions responsible for any taxes owed by illegal operators if payments continue beyond the specified timeframe. Since October 2024, more than 50,000 illegal betting sites have been blocked, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Finance. Financial institutions now have 30 days to adjust their systems to align with these new requirements.
