meta_id 3298217

On July 3, 2026, Brazil's Secretariat for Prizes and Betting of the Ministry of Finance (SPA/MF) published two regulations prohibiting beneficiaries of Student Financing Fund (FIES) debt renegotiation from accessing fixed-odds betting platforms. The regulations—Normative Instruction SPA/MF No. 8 and Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1.638, restrict both the opening of new betting accounts and the use of existing ones by FIES beneficiaries. The regulations require fixed-odds betting operators to consult the Betting Management System (SIGAP), a database managed by SPA/MF containing blocked Brazilian taxpayer identification numbers (CPF). Operators must conduct mandatory consultations at two points: account opening and first daily login. If a CPF is marked "Blocked – FIES Renegotiation," operators must deny account opening. For existing accounts, operators must notify users within one day of detection, providing two days for voluntary fund withdrawal. If funds remain, operators must suspend the account within three days and transfer remaining funds to a registered bank or payment account authorised by Brazil's Central Bank. Open bets must be cancelled with full refunds. Operators must document all communications for a minimum of five years. The restriction applies only while a beneficiary's CPF remains in SIGAP's database and ceases automatically upon removal. Account reactivation requires updated registration information and absence of other legal impediments. FIES beneficiaries join other prohibited groups including Bolsa Família Program beneficiaries and Novo Desenrola Brasil participants. Operators must implement procedures within ten days of publication and conduct retroactive screening of all registered CPF numbers within fifteen days. Non-compliance triggers sanctions under SPA/MF Ordinances No. 1.225 and No. 1.233, pursuant to Articles 41 and 42 of Law No. 14.790. While the documents were assigned to be on the July 1 Official Gazette, the announcement only became available to the public on July 3.