Brazil: New SPA Order No. 566 on Payment Blockage for Illegal Gambling Operators
As of March 21, 2025, Brazil has implemented a new SPA Order No. 566, which significantly tightens control over financial transactions in the online gambling sector.
According to this document, banks and payment providers are required to block transactions in favor of illegal gambling operators.
This new regulation covers all transactions related to unlicensed operators and aims to improve control in this area.
Key Changes in Financial Control
The main provisions established by the order include the following points:
- Registration of Suspicious Transactions: All transactions that may be linked to illegal activities must be registered in the SPA system within 24 hours.
- Payment Provider Obligations: If operators detect a violation, they are required to immediately halt processing such transactions and notify the regulator.
- Liability for Violations: Ignoring these regulations may lead to sanctions, including intervention by law enforcement.
SPA representative Régis Dudena noted that these measures will “close the financial channels for illegal betting” and help protect Brazilian users from losses associated with offshore platforms.
Technical Aspects of the New Order
According to the order’s provisions, financial institutions are required to:
- Not provide transaction services to individuals or organizations that do not hold the appropriate gambling licenses.
- Cease all operations if violations are detected and report the information to the relevant government authorities.
Special attention is given to blocking transactions using so-called “quasi-bets”, which may be used to circumvent official bans.
Impact on Banks and Payment Systems
Banks and payment providers are now required to monitor all transactions that may be linked to illegal gambling operators. If suspicious activities are detected, they must:
- Send a notification to the SPA system within 24 hours.
- Provide all transaction data, including information about the source and nature of the operations.
If financial institutions fail to comply with the new requirements, they may face administrative and financial penalties.
What About Illegal Operators?
The new order also targets illegal gambling operators, who will now face increased scrutiny from regulators.
According to the rules, all operators without a license to operate in Brazil will be excluded from payment chains. Such organizations will face serious consequences, including potential legal proceedings and the blocking of their online resources.
Furthermore, the Brazilian gambling regulation system will maintain up-to-date lists of those who have or have not been granted permission to conduct gambling, ensuring greater transparency in the sector.
The Importance of Complying with the New Rules
To avoid sanctions and maintain the ability to provide financial services, it is crucial for banks and payment providers to strictly adhere to all provisions of the new order. Violating these rules can result not only in financial losses but also criminal liability.
Brazil is actively strengthening control over the gambling sector, which will help enhance safety and transparency for users in the future.