Sports betting CPI may delay regulation of the activity in Brazil
Photo: Roque de Sá / Agência Senado

The sports betting CPI may further delay the approval of the law that provides for the regulation of the activity in the Chamber of Deputies. The Federal Government chose not to make changes via a provisional measure, as previously indicated, but through a project sent to the Federal Congress.

“The truth is that due to the inaction of the federal government in the last four years, an irregular betting market has developed, with the proliferation of bookmakers without any control”, says lawyer Eduardo Carlezzo, specialized in sports law in an interview with See website.

After a long discussion with industry representatives, the Ministry of Finance has already defined the main points related to licensing and taxation of bookmakers. The portfolio’s estimate is to ensure a collection of between 12 billion and 15 billion reais for the government per year.

Bookmakers wishing to operate in Brazil will need to be authorized by the Federal Government. Companies must follow four points:

  • Pay a grant of BRL 30 million for a five-year license;
  • Have a registered office in the national territory;
  • Present a minimum capital of R$ 100 thousand;
  • Hold numerous certificates, such as payment methods and systems to curb match-fixing.

“We will have a very intense work in this CPI. We will have 120 days, extendable for another 60, to investigate a fraud in the most popular and beloved sport in the world, football, our national passion, which gives us so many emotions and incredible moments for our Brazilian people. This has to be clarified, and those responsible severely punished,” said Carlezzo.

The CPI collegiate will be composed of 34 members and will have an equal number of substitutes. The group will be chaired by Deputy Júlio Arcoverde (PP-PI) and will have Felipe Carreras (PSB-PE) as rapporteur.

Sports betting CPI emerged as a result of match fixing investigation

The sports betting CPI began to be articulated as a result of an investigation by the Public Ministry of Goiás that denounced 15 players to the Justice. All became defendants on suspicion of match fixing. Funders of the scheme also accused.

The investigation began in November last year following a complaint by the president of Vila Nova, Hugo Jorge Bravo.