The Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Treasury announced that, as of 9pm this Monday (30), it had received 174 requests from companies to operate as betting houses (“bets”) in Brazil.
The end of registration was scheduled for 11:59 pm on the same day. Until the publication of this article, the number had already risen to 182 registrations in the Betting Management System (SIGAP). The full list can be found HERE.
This Tuesday (1st), the ministry should publish the list of companies authorized to operate in the country. The ministry emphasizes that other bets can apply for licensing at any time, but will be at the end of the queue.
According to information from the Treasury, unauthorized platforms will remain online for a period of ten days. This measure aims to facilitate the return of amounts deposited by bettors who use these services.
Minister of Treasury and federal government debate the betting market this Tuesday
To operate legally, approved companies need to make a grant payment of R$30 million this year. Furthermore, from January onwards, they will have to comply with several rules aimed at combating:
- Scams and fraud
- Money laundering
- Excessive advertising.
Minister Fernando Haddad will meet today with representatives of the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters; the International Broadcasting Association; and the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council to discuss actions related to betting advertising.
At the same time, President Lula will meet with ministers to discuss a package of measures. So, the package will include:
- Veto on the use of Bolsa Família for betting.
- Early ban on the use of credit cards for gaming.
- Tighter limits on industry advertising.
Minister of Social Development enters the debate
These actions are part of the regulation of betting houses, an initiative by the Lula government that seeks to increase revenue. However, this regulation is already facing significant resistance from several sectors, even before it comes into force.
The Minister of Social Development, Wellington Dias, stated that “it is technically possible to impose a zero limit on spending on games through the social program card system.”
Recently, the crisis surrounding regulation gained strength with the launch of a study by the Central Bank. The report highlighted the expenses of Bolsa Família beneficiaries in relation to sports betting, data that generated controversy and was challenged by representatives of the sector.
But the regulation of sports betting is not yet finalized. The process will be completed on January 1, 2025, with the entry into force of legislation and a fully regulated market.
