The betting scenario in Brazil has been debated for a long time, where political figures have emerged as important spokespersons to guide the regulation of the sector in the country, such as José Manssur, Special Advisor to the Ministry of Finance.
During a meeting of the Sports Commission at the Chamber of Deputies, Manssur spoke about how we should view this segment and the importance of seeking the best possible standards.
The politician also emphasized the need to consolidate the regularization of the sports betting market and reaffirmed the institutional commitment to promoting responsible gambling.
Check out the full news about José Manssur
José Francisco Manssur, special advisor to the Ministry of Finance, participated this Tuesday (12/9) in a meeting of the Sports Commission in the Chamber of Deputies focusing on the new regulation of sports betting on football.
The meeting also discussed aspects that justify the relevance of regulating the sector, such as tax justice, combating manipulation of results, expanding the market and sport as an education policy.
Manssur noted that sports betting is not an essential service, and therefore it is fair to raise money to invest in priority areas such as health, education, basic sanitation and legal security.
“We are open to discussing with parliament any adjustments that the operating companies themselves request so that the process remains viable, but in such a way that the government does not lose out on revenue,” said Manssur.
“It’s a question of tax justice. If segments of the economy such as food production, inputs and health are taxed, it is not fair that the betting segment, which generates R$100 billion, R$150 billion per year, is exempt as it has been in the last five years”, he pondered.
Regarding the manipulation of results, Manssur clarified that the government issued an MP, presented a PL and organized an interministerial group with the participation of civil society institutions such as the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) and other entities interested in combating and creating clear rules on manipulation.
For him, the manipulation of results is one of the most serious crises that Brazilian sport has ever faced, because it takes away its credibility.
The advisor also highlighted the need to regulate the segment and the importance of raising awareness about betting.
“We want to convey to Brazilian society that gambling is not a way to get rich, gambling is leisure, fun”, he stated. “Don’t think you’re going to make money from betting. Our institutional message when placing limits on regulation and advertising is to raise awareness of responsible gambling,” he stated.
Another topic mentioned was the relevance of sport as an educational tool.
According to Manssur, sport is the best education and public safety policy, as it places children and young people in sociability.
“You train an Olympic athlete, but at the same time you provide sociability, coexistence, in terms of health, education, and keeping children away from unsafe situations. To form an athlete, you changed the lives of 400 children”, he concluded.
