Suspension of Pixbet in Brazil Due to Age Verification Issues

On July 14, juvenile judge João Lucas from the Campinas Grande district ordered the suspension of online platforms managed by Pixbet Soluções Tecnológicas Ltda throughout Brazil. This measure will remain in effect until effective measures are demonstrated to prevent children and adolescents from accessing betting sites.

Judicial Rationale and Requirements

The decision was issued in the context of a public civil action. The lawsuit was filed by the Padre Ezekiel Ramin Center for Human Rights, the Francisco de Assis Association, and Father Júlio Renato Lancelotti. The organizations argued that the platforms had not implemented sufficient mechanisms to prevent the registration and use of their services by minors.

The judge emphasized that both the Constitution and the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) guarantee comprehensive protection and absolute priority for children and adolescents. This provision is reinforced by the framework of the "Digital ECA," which obliges providers to prevent minor access to games and betting services.

"Daily experiences and online reports demonstrate that children and adolescents continue to easily access betting platforms," the court's decision states.

Financial Sanctions and Technical Requirements

In justification of the measure, the judge referenced Ordinance No. 73/2026, issued by the Ministers of Finance and Justice, as well as the National Consumer Protection Secretariat (Senacon). This ordinance strengthens the obligation of betting companies to take measures to prevent minors from accessing their services and bans advertisements aimed at children and adolescents.

The court ordered the company to suspend the operation of its platforms in the country within 48 hours of notification. Resumption is only possible after demonstrating to the court the implementation of technological mechanisms, such as facial recognition with a 'liveness' check for each login and financial transaction.

Pixbet is required to conduct biometric verification, cross-referencing data with official databases, and automatically block registrations made using the CPF of minors. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a daily fine of 100,000 Brazilian Reais (19,561 USD), originally capped at 100 million Reais.

Engagement of Government Agencies

The judge's ruling implies notification of Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency of Brazil) to block platforms in case of non-compliance with the order, as well as the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting and the National Data Protection Authority to take appropriate measures.