The Bets Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) continues to evaluate the impact of online betting in Brazil. In a statement last Tuesday (10), the secretary of prizes and betting at the Ministry of Treasury, Régis Dudena, highlighted advances and gaps in the sector.
According to him, the activity was legalized in 2018, but the initial regulation proved to be insufficient. Therefore, in response, the government approved a new law in 2023, Law 14,790/2023, aiming for greater control and protection.
Dudena revealed that authorities have already blocked more than 5,000 illegal betting sites. However, the CPI rapporteur, senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), questioned which games still constitute a criminal misdemeanor, bringing to light the controversy over Jogo do Bicho.
Advances in betting regulation
The secretary explained that the new regulations have the following main objectives:
- Protection of bettors, with clearer rules for the activity.
- Combating money laundering, increasing economic security.
- Reducing the manipulation of sports results, strengthening the integrity of the sector.
Dudena highlighted that children and teenagers are prohibited from betting and that, in October 2023, an ordinance was published to regulate the market.
Controversy over Jogo do Bicho
Soraya Thronicke raised doubts about the possible indirect legalization of Jogo do Bicho, banned since 1941. The new law prioritizes fixed sports betting on sporting events, but this could indirectly benefit Jogo do Bicho.
“Article 58 of the Criminal Offenses Law prohibits exploring or carrying out the lottery called Jogo do Bicho or carrying out any act related to its carrying out or exploitation. Do you believe that there may have been a derogation from the game of chance, a tacit derogation, I say.”
Regis Alexandre stated that he is not responsible for possible interpretations by the Federal Attorney General’s Office regarding this topic, but clarified that what is legalized by legislation are only fixed odds bets on sporting activities and online games:
“The specific case of this activity called Jogo do Bicho seems to me, unless I judge better, that it does not fall within the scope of law 14,790”, clarified the secretary.
Bets CPI and the challenges in combating illegal websites
Another point discussed was the difficulty of blocking illegal betting sites. Thus, Soraya reported meeting with the president of Anatel, Carlos Baigorri, to seek more effective solutions. According to her, blocked websites often start operating again with new CNPJs.
Baigorri presented a legislative proposal to expand Anatel’s powers, allowing more energetic actions against platforms that fail to comply with the law.
The regulation of sports betting is progressing in Brazil, but challenges such as the banning of illegal websites still cause concern. The CPI das Bets investigates the economic and social impacts, prioritizing consumer protection and strengthening the legal sector.
