Last Thursday (03), the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, revealed that the Brazilian government is preparing to issue a joint ordinance. Therefore, this measure aims to strengthen the regulation of sports betting and online gaming in the country.
The statement was made after a meeting lasting approximately three hours called by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The meeting was attended by ministers and other government bodies to discuss the use of digital games in Brazil.
Health will focus on prevention and education about online betting
During the meeting, Nísia emphasized the complexity of the situation. “It would be wrong for me to say that everything is already done. No, it’s not, it’s a new phenomenon,” he said.
According to the minister, the priority must be the prevention and response to issues related to betting. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation between ministries.
So, the meeting included representatives from Finance, Justice, Civil House, Attorney General’s Office (AGU), Social Development, Sports, as well as the vice-presidency and Federal Police. Lula stated that he will present the proposal on online betting soon.
The minister also addressed the relevance of educating children and young people about the safe use of virtual betting. Nísia highlighted the importance of promoting educational campaigns and paying special attention to cases of addiction.
Thus, she even suggested a change in the international classification of diseases, using the issue of online games as a focus. “It is important in today’s world to differentiate games that are made online”, he considered.
Nísia also commented on the negative impact of online games on public health. Thus, she mentioned a significant increase in dependence and the severe effects it has on families. In response to the scenario, the Health department works to strengthen the psychosocial care network.
The role of the Ministry of Sports in regulation
The Minister of Sports, André Fufuca, also participated in the discussion and emphasized the need for an integrated government approach to betting regulation. “In the face of prior regulation, around 2 thousand (sites) will no longer operate in the country”, he pointed out.
“We are talking about a market in which 80%, from October onwards, will no longer be in force in our country”, he concluded.