Brazil Cracks Down on Illegal Betting Apps, Contacting Apple and Google
Authorities said the apps were “easily found,” lacked age verification systems and were “not even disguised under the guise of other functionalities.”
The Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) has formally written to Google and Apple after investigations uncovered more than 120 apps illegally offering gambling via their app stores.
Authorities said the apps were “easily found,” lacked age verification systems and were “not even disguised under the guise of other functionalities.”
Search terms such as “jogo do Tigrinho” — Brazilian slang linked to online slots reportedly inspired by Tiger Fortune — were said to surface multiple unlicensed apps in search results.
Unlicensed gaming activity
The MJSP stated that the apps promote or facilitate access to fixed-odds betting and other online gambling services without authorisation from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets.
According to the ministry, the apps breach several provisions of Brazil’s Consumer Protection Code, as well as the ECA Digital — the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents.
The government has requested that both companies provide “detailed explanations” of their internal policies regarding gambling content, including age verification processes. They have also been asked to submit an updated list of all apps available in Brazil under their platforms, including developer details, age ratings and declared regulatory approval.
