Player has R$ 169,000 blocked on betting platform and takes legal action
In recent years, the growth of online gaming platforms has brought a series of challenges, especially concerning consumer protection. A recent case illustrates this issue well: the Public Defender’s Office of the Federal District (DPDF) has taken legal action over a recurring situation involving betting platforms. A player accumulated R$ 169,002.70 (approx $29K) in winnings but had their payment blocked, with the platform justifying that they needed to make a new PIX deposit to upgrade their account category before accessing the money. The platform’s name has not been disclosed.
The DPDF states that this case is not isolated. Various platforms in the sector have used this type of practice, perhaps intending to prevent the player from withdrawing money and not returning to play. These platforms often allow initial winnings and promise the possibility of withdrawal but later impose obstacles, preventing players from withdrawing their earnings as quickly as initially promised. Even after complying with the imposed requirement—the PIX deposit—the money remains inaccessible for withdrawal.
According to the Public Defender’s Office, the relationship between the platform and the player is governed by the Consumer Protection Code (CDC), which establishes the company’s objective liability. This means the company must compensate for financial damages regardless of fault.
The Public Defender and head of Nudecon/DPDF, Antônio Carlos Cintra, warned that the “Jogo do Tigrinho” has attracted thousands of players with the promise of quick profits but has also been used to carry out scams. According to Cintra, “The advertising is entirely focused on financial profit, with no limitations. From there, we see the imposition of arbitrary blocks and objections that were not previously disclosed. The platforms act fraudulently to ensure new deposits, consequently keeping users trapped in the hope of making the promised withdrawals.”
“Jogo do Tigrinho” and its risks
The “Jogo do Tigrinho,” officially known as “Fortune Tiger,” is a mobile slot game developed by PG Soft, a company based in Malta. The game features stimulating colours, oriental music, and a tiger that grabs players’ attention. The mechanics are simple: the player presses a button to spin three “reels” on the screen, each with different symbols. If three matching symbols align, the player receives a cash reward. The game also has random multipliers that can increase winnings.
However, it is important to highlight that, in the long run, players tend to lose. “Fortune Tiger” itself discloses that its Return to Player (RTP) rate is 96.81%, meaning that for every R$ 100 wagered, the player is expected to get R$ 96.81 back. This feature is common in slot games, whether online or in physical casinos.
The popularity of “Jogo do Tigrinho” in Brazil has also caught the attention of authorities. The São Paulo Civil Police have registered over 500 police reports related to scams involving the game. Investigations indicate that criminal organisations have been using the platform for fraud, attracting users through fake profiles and groups on social media. Digital influencers are paid to promote the game, simulating a luxurious lifestyle supposedly achieved through winnings on the platform. In many cases, users who win prizes have their accounts blocked when they try to withdraw their money.
Legality of online casino games in Brazil
The legality of online casino games in Brazil is a complex issue. According to the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), online casino games, including “Jogo do Tigrinho,” have been permitted in the country as long as they comply with the rules established in Ordinance No. 1,207, dated 29 July 2024. Among the requirements, games must pay at least 85% of the wagered amounts in prizes to players; platforms must inform the multiplier factor, the probability of winning, and how winnings are determined; and if the game requires achievements to activate a bonus, the requirements must be clearly stated to the player.
To ensure player safety, games available on authorised platforms undergo audits and certifications conducted by independent laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Finance. These laboratories ensure that games comply with Brazilian regulations, guaranteeing the randomness of results and operational transparency.
However, bettors must use only platforms authorised by the SPA to engage in fixed-odds betting nationally. Only in this way is it possible to monitor and address any issues that may arise. SPA Secretary Régis Dudena emphasises the importance of directing bettors to authorised betting houses, ensuring that there are rules and control mechanisms. Without this regulation, consumers remain vulnerable to fraud and scams.
This article was first published in Portuguese on 24 March 2025.
