The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) criticized Bradesco for recommending that its customers avoid online betting, known as “bets”. The bank started sending alerts to account holders who use Pix to pay for this type of bet.
In messages directed to customers, the bank suggests considering safer alternatives. Bradesco states: “Betting does not guarantee a financial return and the money can be completely lost. Take care of your financial health and look for safer options to get the most out of your money.”
Furthermore, the bank offers two options: continue with the transaction or cancel the Pix. Bradesco is the first among the large Brazilian banks to publicly take a stance against betting.
Recently, Nubank also started questioning customers who identify Pix keys associated with betting. The institution asks: “How about saving this money?”
ANJL’s reaction
In a note sent to the Metrópoles portal, ANJL expressed concern. The association stated: “It received with great concern the information that some banks, including Bradesco, have been issuing warnings to their customers not to bet on bets and, in some cases, even blocking account holders’ accounts or passwords when they try to place their bets”.
ANJL highlighted that Laws No. 13,756/2018 and 14,790/2023 legalize the betting sector, regulated by ordinances from the Ministries of Finance and Sports. The association stated: “Bradesco’s behavior, like that of Nubank, shows unequal treatment of a legitimate sector of the country’s economy.”
According to ANJL, the regulated market could generate 60,000 jobs in the next five years and contribute R$20 billion annually in taxes.
The entity highlighted: “Revenue from betting taxes is applied to sectors such as education, sports and public security, in accordance with percentages defined by current legislation.”
The law
Furthermore, the association recalled that item III of art. 7th, of Law No. 12,865 of October 9, 2013, establishes that payment arrangements must guarantee “non-discriminatory access to services and infrastructure necessary for the operation of payment arrangements”.
ANJL stated: “Both Bradesco and Nubank disregard this principle by directing their campaigns against a single activity, when, in fact, they should warn about the danger of betting at illegal bookmakers.”
ANJL recognized that there are thousands of illegal websites in the country, which operate without permission from the federal government.
Therefore, the entity stated: “The authorities are making efforts to combat it, but there is still a long way to go against the clandestine betting market.”
Finally, the association suggested that banks inform customers about the importance of only betting with legal companies. ANJL concluded: “That would be a message of support for the Ministry of Treasury, which has worked so hard to regulate the sector.”
Bradesco’s defense
Contacted by the Metrópoles portal, Bradesco stated that the initiative is informative in nature and does not impose restrictions. The bank explained: “The initiative is for informational purposes only, without imposing restrictions on customer transactions. The goal is to offer tools that help customers manage their resources.”
