The Federal Government officially launched this week (May 12) the Investigation Group for the Repression of Sports Results Manipulation, Betting Fraud, and Related Crimes, named “Base Apostas.”

The new Federal Police structure was created with the mission of protecting the integrity of Brazilian sports and dismantling criminal networks operating within the illegal betting market, a move that immediately received support from the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR).

Intelligence and disruption of criminal finances

Base Apostas will not only operate on the front line of criminal investigations but will also focus heavily on financial intelligence and asset recovery.

Its central objective is to financially dismantle transnational organizations that use match-fixing schemes for money laundering and illegal capital transfers.

The structure will use advanced digital platform monitoring techniques and data analysis, relying on professionals specialized in financial crimes and the complex fixed-odds betting ecosystem.

According to Giovanni Rocco, National Secretary for Sports Betting, the initiative is vital for public trust:

“Protecting sports results means protecting athletes, fans, and the sustainable development of sports.”

IBJR: the regulated market as an ally

IBJR’s support for the initiative reinforces a clear narrative: the regulated market is the main ally in the fight against crime.

Licensed operators already invest in international monitoring systems and advanced technologies, such as facial recognition, to ensure compliance and report suspicious patterns to organizations like the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

The biggest challenge, however, remains the illegal market. According to data highlighted by IBJR:

– Market volume: The illegal sector moves approximately R$40 billion annually.

-Public losses: Brazil is estimated to lose R$10.8 billion per year in unpaid taxes.

-Consumer risks: Unauthorized platforms do not offer payment guarantees or data protection and are often used as fronts for criminal organizations.

International cooperation and national policy

The creation of Base Apostas is a direct result of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combat of Sports Results Manipulation (PNPEMR), established in April.

The initiative involves unprecedented coordination between the Ministries of Sports, Justice, and Finance, alongside the Federal Police.

Given the transnational nature of match-fixing operations, the new Federal Police unit will prioritize international law enforcement cooperation.

The strategy is clear: to create an environment where technical compliance is the only path to operating in the country, isolating illegal networks and strengthening legal certainty for operators that chose regulation.

Owner of the Betnacional and Betfair Brazil brands, the company celebrates its anniversary prioritizing consumer safety and the sustainability of Brazil’s regulated market.

Flutter Brazil celebrates its first year of operations in the country this Thursday, May 14.

During this period, the company has not only entered the Brazilian market but has also established itself as one of the leading references in the country’s newly regulated betting landscape.

The company doubled its workforce across Brazil, with operational bases in Recife (PE), São Paulo (SP), and Marechal Rondon (PR).

The company combines Flutter Entertainment’s global technological expertise with the strong local identity of its brands.

Betnacional has strengthened its position as a brand that understands the passion of Brazilian football fans, while Betfair Brazil continues to deliver advanced pricing and security technology for sports betting enthusiasts.

“As we complete our first year in Brazil, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to the country.

We have invested in building a solid and responsible operation aligned with global best practices at a key moment for the consolidation of the regulated market.

We believe in Brazil’s potential and in the role we can play in the sustainable development of the sector,” said Flutter Brazil CEO Eduardo Monte.

In addition to operational expansion, the company strengthened its brand presence throughout the past year through advertising campaigns, sports sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.

Betnacional maintains sponsorship agreements with Brazilian football clubs such as Athletic, Cruzeiro, and Sport — with the latter two also including support for women’s teams.

The brand also relies on ambassadors such as Vini Jr. and Galvão Bueno to amplify its key messages and connect directly with Brazilian audiences.

Creators such as Bárbara Coelho, André Balada, and Igor Rodrigues complement the strategy, reflecting the way Brazilians consume football, entertainment, and sports discussions while representing cultural diversity and regional identities.

Betnacional’s activities also include presence in sports broadcasts through partnerships with Globo and CazéTV, as well as sponsorship of sporting events such as the Rio Open and Copa Maria Bonita, in addition to entertainment events like Lollapalooza and Carnival celebrations.

Regarding Betfair Brazil, the brand’s positioning is reinforced by a team of specialists including Mauro Beting, Rômulo Mendonça, and Cacá Bueno, strengthening connections with a more analytical sports betting audience.

Responsible Gaming at the core of the strategy

Alongside commercial growth, Flutter Brazil has consolidated Responsible Gaming as one of the central pillars of its operation.

Since last month, the company has been running a campaign featuring Vini Jr. as “Vini Senior,” addressing the topic in a more accessible and relatable way through humor while maintaining the seriousness of the subject.

Through Betnacional and Betfair, the company offers user protection tools required under Brazil’s regulated framework, including deposit limits, usage time controls, temporary breaks, and self-exclusion mechanisms.

The operation also adopts strict identity verification processes to prevent underage access and enhance protection for vulnerable audiences.

“We see regulation as an important step toward the maturity of the sector in Brazil. Compliance with tax and regulatory requirements is part of our long-term vision and our commitment to transparency, governance, and consumer protection.

We have the structure, technology, and scale to continue growing sustainably, strengthening our brands, and contributing to the responsible development of the industry,” Eduardo Monte added.

Heading into its second year of operations in the country, Flutter Brazil will continue investing in innovation and partnerships that strengthen Brazilian sports, always under strict Responsible Gaming standards.

The company remains committed to investing in talent and technology, consolidating its operation as a hub of excellence and compliance in Brazil.