Money Trapped in “Bet” Blocked in Brazil? Find out what to dopiva

With the blocking of illegal betting in Brazil, many punters find themselves in a difficult situation, with money tied up. Lawyers recommend that punters document all attempts to contact betting platforms and consider legal action. For amounts below R$500, legal action may not be viable, but from R$1,000 upwards it could be interesting. Swift action is crucial to increase the chances of recovery.

Understanding Bets Blocking

The blockade was implemented by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), in accordance with regulations issued by the Ministry of Finance. The measure aims to protect consumers from irregular practices and ensure that only authorized bets operate in Brazil. However, the reality for many punters is that they find themselves without access to their balances, creating an urgent need for solutions.

What to do if your money is trapped?

Document Everything: Record all attempts to contact the bookmaker, including emails, messages and calls. Keep any relevant information you can about the company, such as records of deposits and withdrawals.
Contact Procon: If the bookmaker is unreachable, contact Procon for assistance and to help trace the company.
Suit in the Special Court: For amounts up to 20 minimum wages, you can file a suit in the Special Court. The process is quick and costs little or nothing.
Class Action: Consider forming or joining a class action. Bringing together other people in the same situation strengthens your claim. Contact a law firm specializing in consumer law to discuss the possibility of a class action, which can share costs and offer greater impact against the company.
Civil Court: For amounts above 20 minimum wages, take the case to the civil court. Bear in mind that this option can involve significant procedural costs, so assess whether it's worth it.
Public Prosecutor's Office: If all previous attempts fail, contact your lawyer and report the bookmaker to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which could result in criminal prosecution.

Although the blocking of websites is intended to protect consumers, its legality is debated. Experts raise questions about possible violations of the Brazilian Civil Rights Framework for the Internet, which defends freedom of expression and net neutrality.

The importance of collective action

Recovering money trapped in blocked bets can seem challenging, but with the right documentation, legal support and the strength of a class action, it is possible to get back what is yours. Get together with others affected and seek the help of a specialized lawyer. Information and unity are your best weapons in this fight.

Recently, the courts ruled that the existence of a class action does not prevent individual lawsuits from proceeding. This means that if you choose to pursue an individual lawsuit after the class action, your claim will not be invalidated. (Ref.: 2256779-20.2024.8.26.0000).

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