The Federal Supreme Court (STF) opened the judicial year this Monday (3) with an agenda full of relevant issues. Among the most awaited judgments is the analysis of the regulation of betting sites in Brazil, popularly known as “bets”.
The rapporteur of the actions, minister Luiz Fux, stated that he intends to put the case on trial in the first half of 2025. Three processes challenge the current legislation on the subject.
The National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) and the Solidariedade party call for the complete repeal of the rule, which would result in the banning of sports betting and online gaming platforms in the country.
On the other hand, the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) proposes declaring only a few points of the law unconstitutional, in addition to regulations established by the Ministry of Treasury.
Experts warned, during a public hearing held in November, about the negative social and economic impacts of this market, such as gaming addiction, debt and family conflicts. For Fux, immediate adjustments are necessary to prevent these problems from worsening.
Other topics on the agenda at the STF besides betting
In addition to bets, the STF will evaluate sensitive issues throughout 2025. The responsibility of social networks for content published by users is one of them. The process seeks to define whether platforms should actively monitor content to avoid legal punishment, which could raise fears about private censorship.
Still in the first half of the year, ministers may decide on the labor relationship between app drivers, such as Uber, and the companies responsible for the platforms. If the relationship is recognized, drivers will be entitled to benefits such as paid vacation and 13th salary.
Another relevant judgment concerns the responsibility of press vehicles for statements made by interviewees. Minister Edson Fachin proposed that only cases of bad faith or negligence result in punishment, excluding live interviews.
