Brazil Blocks Online Betting for Social Benefit Recipients

Since December 1, online betting operators in Brazil have been required to block access for recipients of the Bolsa Família and BPC social programs by checking players’ status in the databases of the Ministry of Social Development.

Scale of the betting access block

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, during the first 12 days of the restrictions, access to betting platforms was blocked for approximately 900,000 people. These figures reflect login attempts by users who are legally prohibited from participating in online betting under current rules.

The restrictions affected beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família and Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) programs.

Legal basis for the restrictions

Supreme Court ruling

The block was introduced following a decision by the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) issued in November 2024. The court prohibited the use of social benefit funds for participation in online betting.

Role of the Ministry of Finance

After the court ruling, the blocking procedure was formalized by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), which operates under the Ministry of Finance.

How the verification system works

Under the established rules, betting operators must verify player data during registration, account login, and financial transactions.

The checks are carried out using databases provided by the Ministry of Social Development. Information from CadÚnico, as well as the Bolsa Família and BPC registries, is used and updated on a monthly basis.

Impact of the block on the market

According to internal estimates by operators, around 30% of their customer base has some connection to social programs. As a result, the block could affect 8–15% of online betting companies’ revenue.

Reports of disputed blocks

Operator complaints

Since the measure came into force, betting operators have reported cases of disputed blocks to the Ministry of Finance. According to them, access was also restricted for former beneficiaries of social programs.

The issue arises because the system relies on the status provided by the Ministry of Social Development, without distinguishing between current and former participants in the programs.

Position of government authorities

The Ministry of Finance stated that the block is automatic and carried out without individual CPF verification. User status is determined solely based on data received from the social development authorities.

The Ministry of Social Development said it manages benefit payments on a monthly basis and monitors compliance with the rules of the Bolsa Família and BPC programs, but did not specify the date of the most recent database update.