The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) is struggling to continue its fight against illegal betting platforms. After recent budget cuts, the agency lacks the resources to enforce Brazil’s new betting regulations effectively.

Earlier this year, Anatel partnered with the Prizes and Betting Secretariat from the Ministry of Treasury to block unlicensed betting sites. Since January, it has taken down around 15,000 illegal websites. But the operation now relies almost entirely on a partnership with UNESCO, providing R$8 million to fund the enforcement system.

Anatel President Carlos Baigorri confirmed the current challenges. “We need more structure to keep up with the growth of unregulated platforms,” he said. While the agency plans to add 50 employees through a public hiring process, it is still unclear how many will focus on betting enforcement.

Industry Calls for Immediate Reinforcement

The Betting and Fantasy Sports Association has urged Anatel to strengthen its technical team. In a letter to the agency, the group proposed using candidates approved in the 2024 Regulatory Specialist competition. The goal is to improve response time and capacity to fight illegal websites.

Anatel is facing a serious staff shortage with 141 unfilled regulatory specialist positions, accounting for 25.8% of the agency’s workforce. ABFS also warned that retirements expected in 2026 could deepen the deficit.

To increase its workforce, Anatel needs formal approval from the Federal Government. This process requires a presidential decree and a favorable opinion from the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services. Without those, hiring efforts remain idle.

Baigorri Points to Gaps in Betting Governance

During a recent event in Madrid, Baigorri raised concerns about the betting sector’s weak regulatory structure. He compared it to more established industries like energy and telecommunications, where agencies operate with dedicated staff and long-term planning.

He said, “In electricity and telecom, there are agencies, career civil servants, and structured regulation, the betting sector does not have that. A single secretariat in the Ministry of Finance decides everything without broader input.”

Baigorri’s remarks highlight growing frustration over how betting is managed in Brazil. Without proper institutions and governance, enforcement agencies remain limited in scope and authority.

A Critical Moment for Enforcement

Anatel stands at a turning point because without funding and institutional support, its role in fighting illegal betting could shrink. The current system depends on temporary solutions and temporary outside partnerships.

Industry leaders are calling for reform, but progress depends on decisions from higher authorities. Until then, the agency’s mission to regulate and protect the betting space in Brazil remains at risk.

If immediate steps are not taken, the country might lose ground in its fight against illegal betting as the market grows.