The Bets Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) is expected to vote this Tuesday (10) on eight requests that could change the scenario of online betting in Brazil. One of the highlights is the proposal by senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS) to create a reporting channel focused on the social and financial impacts of online gaming addiction.
The rapporteur suggests that the notifications received be analyzed by the commission and, when necessary, forwarded to the police or the Public Prosecutor’s Office. According to Soraya, the reports range from financial losses to links to criminal activities, such as money laundering and currency evasion.
Impactful reports and the urgency of regulation
Soraya Thronicke highlighted the seriousness of the cases reported to the CPI. “Every day, stories and more stories come to us of fathers and mothers who have their children hospitalized. People attacking their lives, marriages destroyed,” he said.
In addition to extreme situations, the senator highlighted the vulnerability of families who lose assets such as homes and cars to pay off accumulated debts. These stories, according to her, reinforce the need for concrete measures to combat the harmful effects of online betting.
Among the proposals under discussion is a total ban on advertising gambling games, including on the internet. Thus, Soraya compared the measure to restricting cigarette advertising. “How am I going to ban advertising for people under 18 if they are in stadiums and on the internet? We have to nip this in the bud,” he said.
Another concern is the non-payment of premiums by some companies, which disappear without fulfilling their obligations. In other words, the regulation also aims to curb this practice, ensuring more transparency and protection for consumers.
Ongoing investigations at CPI das Bets
The CPI’s agenda also includes the request for access to the São Paulo Civil Police investigation. The investigation is into the sponsorship contract between Corinthians and the bookmaker VaideBet. There are suspicions of money laundering in the case.
Senators must also decide whether to summon Jorge Barbosa Dias, owner of MarjoSports, to give testimony. In addition, requests for information from the Ministry of Finance are planned regarding administrative processes involving sports betting companies.
Bets CPI listens to Régis Dudena
Another highlight of the session will be the testimony of Regis Alexandre Dudena, Secretary of Prizes and Bets at the Ministry of Treasury. Then, he must clarify details about the sector’s policies and regulations.
Therefore, the expectation is that this Tuesday’s deliberations will strengthen the foundations for stricter control over the online betting market. Thus, the objective is to protect both players and society.
