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Foto: Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil

The government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that it will discuss payment restrictions for online gaming and betting with the market. However, the Executive has not yet detailed the measures it will implement.

The executive secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dário Durigan, stated: “Knowing that there are 190 enabled addresses, Lula authorized the imposition of restrictions on payment methods, which may include the Bolsa Família card.” He added that discussions with companies will begin next week.

Currently, there are no specific measures for users, including Bolsa Família beneficiaries. Durigan highlighted: “The Bolsa Família public is protected with the suspension of illegal bets and now with the fine-tooth comb that will be carried out in authorized companies”. He also stated: “For now, the use of the Bolsa Família card has not been suspended.”

Durigan recalled the ban on the use of credit cards in games, already announced by card brands and betting operators. “We anticipate a credit card ban.” The betting market regulations, presented by the Ministry of Finance, provide for this prohibition, but it would only come into force in January 2025.

The meeting also focused on the list of regularized betting companies, released by the Ministry of Treasury. Durigan stated: “We are building the negative list, so that it can reach the authorities, especially Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency), to take down the sites.”

Meeting details

The Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, highlighted that the Federal Police is combating crimes such as money laundering. He stated that underage influencers cannot operate in this market.

The meeting was attended by the vice-president, Geraldo Alckmin, and ministers Rui Costa (Casa Civil), Fernando Haddad (Finance), Wellington Dias (Social Development), Nísia Trindade (Health), André Fufuca (Sports) and Ricardo Lewandowski ( Justice), in addition to secretaries.

Addiction to online betting

During the meeting, Lula associated betting with addiction and Haddad predicted the takedown of 2,000 websites. “Many people are getting into debt and spending what they don’t have. We consider this a question of dependence,” said the president.

While Haddad stated that there are already ten ordinances regulating gaming. “We are always using the best international experience to bring good practices to Brazil to tackle this issue.”

The minister highlighted the need to regulate aspects that require broader decisions, involving other ministries, such as Health, Justice and Social Development. “We have problems with chemical dependency, other types of dependency that are worked on by the Ministry of Health”.

Haddad reported that, in the next few days, 2,000 betting sites should be taken offline. Since October 1st, only betting houses authorized by the Treasury can operate in Brazil. So far, 93 companies have been released, with 205 betting brands.

Additionally, from October 11th, illegal websites will be suspended. Therefore, the government is stepping up its efforts to ensure that only legal operators remain active.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent possible violations. Thus, it is expected that the betting environment in the country will become safer and more regulated.