Pressure is mounting on Google and Apple to release betting apps in Brazil. The goal is to fight the illegal market and protect users. The Ministry of Finance and industry representatives argue that including authorized apps in official stores could help regulate the market.
Citing risks to their reputation, the companies, which dominate the app store market, refuse to make these services available. The betting regulation came into effect in January. It targets to fight the illegal market and fraud.
The Ministry of Finance and representatives of the betting industry argue that including authorized apps in official stores could help regulate the market. For now, about half of betting operations in Brazil take place on unauthorized sites. Companies should pay fees and follow compliance rules to operate legally.
Banning apps encourages greater use of illegal platforms. Heloisa Diniz, director of regulation for the Betting and Fantasy Sports Association, highlighted that around 75% of online sports bets in 2024 were placed via mobile phones.
The availability of regulated applications in official stores could reinforce user protection.
Google only allows the publication of gambling games in relation to horse racing, as well as Caixa Econômica Federal lotteries. The company also stated that it updated its advertising policies to combat ads from illegal websites. Apple has not commented on the matter.
The Ministry of Finance emphasized that authorized companies using apps can be an effective tool to combat the illegal market.
The department responsible for regulating the sector argues that creating control mechanisms in app stores is essential to guarantee user safety.
