Sports betting is gaining ground in the daily lives of Brazilians, bringing fun, but also financial risks. Between January and November 2023, Brazilians spent approximately R$54 billion on online betting, according to the Central Bank.
With the market expanding, betting regulation has become essential to contain abuse and protect players. For this reason, Band’s Melhor da Noite program aired a long article about the sector’s legal framework.
Bets around the world and lessons for Brazil
From January 1, 2025, only companies authorized by the Ministry of Treasury will be able to operate sports betting in Brazil. They will need to be based in the country and pay taxes. The new legislation will also prohibit the use of credit cards and social benefits, such as Bolsa Família, in betting. These measures reinforce the commitment to seriousness in the sector.
Regulation will include financial monitoring of bettors to prevent compulsion and restrict sports betting advertising. This measure seeks to protect the population and avoid losses.
While Brazil begins its regulatory process, other countries have already had legalized markets for years. In the United States, the Supreme Court liberalized sports betting in 2018, delegating regulation to the states. Today, 35 of the 50 states allow betting, implementing strict monitoring measures to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of games.
In the United Kingdom, betting regulation has existed since 2005. Players, referees and athletes cannot bet or share information that benefits third parties. The country has more than 6,000 physical betting shops, offering a wide range of options, including dog and horse racing.
Betting regulation will support compulsive bettors
As gambling increases, the number of people who lose control over their spending also grows. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, have dedicated themselves to helping those suffering from gaming addiction. Reporter Juliano Dip took to the streets to hear the stories of people who lost everything, but managed to regain control of their lives with specialized help.
One of those interviewed by Band shared his experience with online gaming addiction, revealing that he lost more than R$2 million, accumulating debts with loan sharks and facing threats. The addiction, described as “a silent disease”, led this individual to isolate himself and spend his entire salary on gambling.
Today, after seeking treatment and blocking access to betting platforms, he says he managed to free himself from his addiction. Other members of the group also highlighted the importance of regulation and new technologies, such as applications that block players’ CPF, preventing access to betting sites.
The importance of regulation for the future of betting
Experts see regulation of the betting market as a crucial step to protect the population and ensure the responsible operation of the sector. The Minister of Treasury, Fernando Haddad, reinforced the need to “bring order and protect the Brazilian family”. Furthermore, authorities called Anatel to block more than 2,000 illegal betting sites.
While sports betting continues to be part of everyday life in several countries, Brazil is moving towards establishing a safer and more regulated market, where companies will be held accountable and bettors will have more protection against the risks of addiction.
Magno José, president of the Brazilian Legal Gaming Institute (IBJL), stated that the regulation will bring important benefits to the sector. One of the main pillars will be the Responsible Gaming program, led by the Ministry of Finance.
The goal is to prevent mental health problems and compulsive behaviors related to sports betting. Additionally, the Ministries of Health and Sports are collaborating to create a system that allows for the self-exclusion of at-risk individuals.
This means that people with gambling-related problems may be prevented from betting on any platform, protecting both the player and the system. Another central point of regulation is the prevention of match-fixing, a crucial factor for the integrity of Brazilian sport.
“When we think about the bettor’s health, we have to think about the bettor’s financial health, the bettor’s mental health, but we also have to think about the health and fairness of Brazilian sport”, declared Magno José
Gaming is entertainment and not a way of life
Bookmakers, with the new regulations, will have a duty to emphasize that gambling is entertainment and not a way of life. In the last six years without regulation, Brazil has faced both financial and public health challenges.
Another measure that can be effective is the implementation of daily and monthly betting limits. These limits will aim to prevent players from increasing their bets uncontrollably.
Furthermore, the regulation will establish clear rules on betting advertising and the actions of digital influencers, reinforcing the need to promote gambling in a responsible manner.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that 97% of people have a healthy relationship with gambling, while 3% have compulsive behaviors. Therefore, regulation is essential to establish clear rules and preventive measures that help reduce these cases.
“Today we do not have public policies to treat an individual who suffers from compulsive gambling because this issue has not yet been regulated,” concluded Magno José.
The full report can be accessed HERE.
