SPA defines rules to prevent bets from self-excluded people

THE Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA) of Ministry of Finance published, this Monday (10), the Normative Instruction No. 31/2025 which establishes rules to prevent people registered in the centralized self-exclusion system from participating in fixed-odds sports betting. The measure is part of the federal government’s actions to promote responsible gambling and strengthen control over the betting sector.

According to the text, operating agents — such as licensed betting houses — must consult the Betting Management System (SIGAP) whenever a user creates a new registration or performs the first login of the day. If the bettor’s CPF is included in the self-excluded database, the system will return the message “Prevented – Centralized Self-Exclusion”, forcing the operator to deny registration or close the user’s account.

The procedure must also be repeated at least every 15 days for all registered users. If a person is subsequently included on the self-exclusion basis, the operator will have up to three days to close their account, after notification and the possibility of withdrawing the available resources.

The rule also requires bookmakers to return amounts owed to self-excluded users within two days of account closure. If it is not possible to make payment — due to lack of contact or banking problem —, the resources must be reverted, after 180 days, to the Student Financing Fund (Fies) and the National Fund for Public Calamities, Protection and Civil Defense (Funcap).

Furthermore, operators are prohibited from sending communications, advertisements or notifications that encourage users to return to the betting system, even after the end of the self-exclusion period.

Companies will have 30 days to implement the new procedures and 45 days to review all existing registrations in the system, checking whether any CPF is included in the self-excluded database. Failure to comply with the rules may result in sanctions in accordance with Law No. 14,790/2023, which regulates the sports betting market in the country.

With this measure, the Ministry of Finance reinforces its commitment to the integrity of the betting market and the protection of bettors in vulnerable situations.