The regulation of online betting and casinos in Brazil has once again become a topic of debate in the Senate with the presentation of Bill 4,031/2024, authored by senator Sérgio Petecão (PSD-AC). The proposal seeks to prohibit gambling and online betting in Brazilian territory, allowing only in-person betting, while preserving the operation of the federal lottery. This project generated a lot of repercussion, both among legislators and market operators, and could radically change the betting industry in the country.
Main arguments and objectives of the proposal
According to Senator Petecão, the project’s main motivation is to mitigate the negative impacts that easy access to online betting can cause, especially in relation to the population’s mental and financial health. Data from the Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) indicate that the growth of the sports betting and online casino market in Brazil has been very accelerated in recent years.
In 2023, the sector generated around R$20 billion, with an average of 20 million Brazilians involved in some type of online betting. The senator justifies the proposal by citing the risk of debt among users and the easy access of minors to betting platforms. He advocates that betting be restricted to the physical environment, where it is possible to guarantee greater control over participants and reinforce age verification.
Petecão stated that, if approved, the law will not only restrict access to online casinos and betting, but will also create a safer environment for bettors, promoting responsibility and social well-being.
Alternatives for responsible gambling
Currently, Brazilian legislation still allows reliable online casinos for Brazilians, both from national and international operators. This means that, until the project is approved, Brazilians continue to have access to reliable and regulated platforms outside the country.
Organizations such as the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) argue that, instead of a total ban, stricter regulation could be a more effective solution. According to ANJL, regulating the market, with clear rules for advertising, age limits and monitoring of gaming behavior, could offer more security to consumers without restricting access to entertainment.
What would change with the approval of the law?
The proposal establishes that, if approved, all online betting platforms, including virtual casinos and sports betting, will be blocked for Brazilian users. Internet providers and application companies will be responsible for preventing access to online betting sites and applications in the national territory.
The project follows the line of similar initiatives around the world. Countries like China and India, for example, have already adopted strict restrictions on access to online casinos. However, experts warn that a total ban could encourage the growth of a parallel and clandestine market, where the lack of regulation represents an even greater risk for players.
Perspectives and debate in the Senate
A total ban would also affect the Brazilian economy. With the growth of online betting, many companies have created jobs and contributed to the country’s tax revenue. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, the betting sector can generate approximately R$6 billion in taxes annually, a large source of revenue for the government.
Bill 4,031/2024 will still be widely debated before possible approval. According to senator Jaques Wagner (PT-BA), other similar proposals should emerge, as many parliamentarians consider the issue of online betting a priority concern.