Provisional Measure No. 1,394 ordered the shutdown of online betting operations in Brazil. Users have until 11:59 PM on October 5 to withdraw remaining balances from their accounts on the platforms.
The publication of Provisional Measure No. 1,394 in the Official Gazette of the Union brought a drastic change to the sports betting landscape in the country. Since last Friday (25), deposits on industry websites and apps have been banned. Now, users must focus entirely on withdrawing funds still held on these platforms, as nationwide access will be blocked starting at midnight on October 6.
To assist those seeking safe guidance during this transition, the website Apostador Protegido has become an essential reference. The platform has gathered key recommendations to ensure users can recover their funds before the platforms definitively go offline.
How to proceed with withdrawals and ensure security
The primary guidance from experts is clear: do not wait until the last minute. The first step is to request the withdrawal immediately and verify that the bank details or Pix keys registered on the platform are correct. It is crucial to document the entire process by taking screenshots of the balance, statements, and keeping receipts of withdrawal requests and customer service tickets. These records will serve as proof in case of any issues with the transfer of funds.
In cases of bets placed on events scheduled for after the deadline, the recommendation is to contact the platform directly to understand how these amounts will be handled and to save any official response received.
Extra vigilance against scams
With deposits prohibited, any request for payment to “release” a balance is invariably an attempt at a scam. Cybercriminals have been exploiting users’ desperation by sending fake links or messages via WhatsApp and SMS promising early payouts.
Regarding the risks, Lucas Baranyi, journalist and coordinator of Apostador Protegido, warns:
“With such a short deadline, the priority is to request the withdrawal now and keep the receipts. And since no one can make deposits anymore, anyone asking for money to release a withdrawal is running a scam.”
Never share passwords or authentication codes, and be suspicious of anyone requesting fees to return your money.
The timeline after the block
For any balances not withdrawn by the October 5 deadline, the government has established a refund process. On October 7 and 8, companies must report each bettor’s pending balance to financial institutions. Refunds are expected to take place between October 9 and 14. Starting October 14, Caixa Econômica Federal will handle cases that present obstacles.
The measure now goes to the National Congress for review. The impact of this regulation marks a new phase for the sector in Brazil, and users must stay alert to official updates and verified support channels. For anyone feeling they have lost control of their gambling, free assistance remains available through SUS and CVV by calling 188.
