Anatel has formalized a Technical Cooperation Agreement with the SPA, announced on Monday, 9 December. The agreement is designed to establish a swift and direct exchange of information between the two organizations, with objectives to lower operational expenses and enhance regulatory oversight.
Last November, Anatel was tasked with dismantling illegal betting sites within Brazil upon receiving a list from SPA containing up to 5,200 websites identified for blocking. However, on 25 November, Carlos Baigorri, the head of Anatel, expressed concerns over the telecom regulator’s insufficient resources to block all the IP addresses listed by the SPA. He likened the agency’s current efforts to a futile activity and advocated for greater powers to be granted to Anatel.
Baigorri is confident that the newly announced agreement will be crucial for Anatel to advance its effectiveness in blocking websites. He stated, “The agreement provides a swift mechanism for processing these blocks. Preventing access to illegal gambling in Brazil is indeed challenging, making cooperation vital to ensure blocks are implemented promptly by telecom service providers.”
Baigorri emphasized the obligation to combat illegal practices that disrupt fair competition and violate laws.
SPA head Regis Dudena echoed Baigorri’s views, foreseeing that the collaboration will enhance the relationship between both parties, promoting streamlined and effective operations.
### Overview of the Anatel-SPA Partnership
SPA is responsible for identifying illegitimate sites and determining their eligibility for blocking. The decisions are forwarded to Anatel, which informs about 20,000 telecom providers to perform IP blocking. Feedback is then provided to the SPA confirming the ban, establishing a transparent communication cycle between the entities.
Baigorri had previously pointed out the vast scale of the offshore market, which hampers Anatel’s attempts to efficiently tackle illegal gambling. He remarked, “Anatel doesn’t have a simple solution to completely disable websites. Considering the multitude of networks involved, it’s an immense undertaking to confirm each block is executed.”
### Government Initiatives to Address Gambling Concerns
On 9 December, Brazil’s federal government introduced an interministerial working group aimed at developing “prevention, assistance, and awareness” programs for responsible gambling. Representatives from the ministries of sport, health, and finance, alongside the social communication secretary, will participate. The group has 60 days to propose initiatives, meeting biweekly.
In efforts to curb the illegal gambling market, the government has recently enacted advertising restrictions and banned the use of social welfare for betting activities.
