The deadline set by the government for legalized betting houses (bets) to complete the scan of their systems and block beneficiaries of Novo Desenrola ends this Wednesday (20).
The rule determines that any citizen who has joined the federal debt renegotiation program is completely prevented from using gaming sites for a period of 12 months.
This restriction applies to new registrations and also to old accounts.
In the case of already registered users, any available balances or bets in progress must be fully refunded by the companies.
How operators track Desenrola beneficiaries
The first phase of the lockdown began on May 15, preventing new registrations. Now, however, the focus is on retroactively searching the customer base.
Regarding this technical and regulatory process, Bernardo Cavalcanti Freire, partner at Betlaw, a law firm specialized in the betting sector, and legal consultant for the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), detailed:
“After the phase of adapting the internal systems to carry out the blockades, operators now have until the 20th to scan all the CPFs that appear in the database, according to art. 14 of the IN.
Operators must still communicate the CPF of users prevented from SIGAP, within 15 days of updating the data model, according to art. 12 of IN.
It turns out that SPA sent a Circular Letter informing that the changes to the SIGAP model began to take effect from 15/05, the date from which operators must have already fully observed the new procedures of the Desenrola Program.
So, in theory, the need to communicate CPFs blocked to SIGAP is already valid.”
The hidden threat of the underground market
Despite the aim of protecting, above all, the financial health of the vulnerable population, experts fear a rebound effect.
Daniel Fortune, digital influencer specializing in betting and responsible gambling, warned of this risk:
“The prevention of people who joined Desenrola Brasil from playing at betting shops, despite being a proposal with a noble reason, unfortunately may not achieve the expected effect as it is yet another restrictive initiative that could encourage the migration of players to the clandestine market, where there is no such control.
This can be harmful as clandestine betting already concentrates a huge number of players in an environment without rules, without security and without any protection.
Therefore, it is essential to strengthen and encourage the regulated market, because it is there that players find transparency, protection and real responsible gaming practices.”
Cristiano Costa, psychologist at the Brazilian Compulsive Support Company (EBAC), also highlighted the importance of keeping the consumer supported within a safe environment:
“Alongside combating illegal betting, one of the biggest challenges for the government at this moment is understanding that the risk of debt needs to be managed with any company that deals with products and services with a high compulsive impact.
The digital betting environment already works with control mechanisms, preventive blocks and essential monitoring tools within an experience that encompasses emotion while protecting the user.
These measures act as protective barriers, especially for people who are in a situation of financial or emotional vulnerability, in addition to contributing to a more conscious and balanced relationship with online entertainment.”
