The acting president, Geraldo Alckmin, led a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Health, Justice and Treasury to discuss the regulation of the betting market (sports betting and online games in Brazil).
The anticipation of the ban on the use of credit cards in betting was the central point of the discussion. Currently scheduled for January 2025, the measure faces operational challenges, as warned by the Ministry of Treasury.
The executive secretary of Treasury, Dario Durigan, and the secretary of Prizes and Bets, Regis Dudena, explained to Alckmin that a package of measures is being prepared. One of the planned actions is the banning, starting in October, of platforms that have not demonstrated their intention to regularize.
Positioning of the retail and banking sector
Representatives from the retail sector called for stricter rules, especially an immediate ban on the use of credit cards. The concern is that the betting market is diverting resources previously intended for family consumption.
Febraban (Brazilian Federation of Banks) also supports bringing forward the ban. Isaac Sidney, president of the entity, highlights this measure as essential.
Impact of PIX on betting
Alckmin expressed specific concern about the use of PIX in betting. Roberto Campos Neto, president of the Central Bank, revealed a 200% increase in transfers via PIX to gaming and betting platforms, warning of a possible worsening in the quality of credit in the country.
The Ministry of Treasury is evaluating the priority of the measures, considering the need for staggered implementation. The view within the government is that credit card betting represents a minority share, with the majority of transactions taking place via PIX and debit cards.
Meeting participants about bets and next steps
The meeting was attended by Nísia Trindade, Minister of Health, and Manoel Carlos de Almeida Neto, executive secretary of the Ministry of Justice. Furthermore, the executive secretary of Treasury, Dario Durigan, and the secretary of Prizes and Bets, Regis Dudena, were present.
