The significant growth of the sports betting market in Brazil has raised an alert in the National Consumer Defense System (SNDC). To guide the actions of consumer protection agencies, the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), linked to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, in partnership with the Consumer Defense Institute of Rio de Janeiro (Procon-RJ), has prepared a joint technical note. The document serves as a guide for the challenges of this scenario.
The material analyzes the impacts of consumer practices associated with sports betting, especially with regard to advertising, transparency of information and the duty of care towards consumers, especially the most vulnerable.
The document highlights concerns related to the growth of the sector, such as: aggressive advertising, disclosure of easy gains, omission of risks, lack of clear and practical information that can mislead people.
The biggest concern is with young people, people in debt or those susceptible to developing compulsive behaviors.
The note also emphasizes the role of digital influencers who, when promoting these platforms, must observe the principles of the Consumer Protection Code (CDC). Joint and several liability may be applied when there is omission of essential information or misleading.
Consumer rights
Based on legislation, the joint technical note highlights the importance of fulfilling duties such as:
– Transparency in information, especially regarding the risks involved in betting and the real odds of winning
– Responsible advertising that does not exploit consumers’ inexperience or vulnerability, nor create false expectations
– Accountability of suppliers and agents operating in the consumption chain, including influencers, in cases of practices that disrespect consumer rights
– Strengthening joint monitoring by Procons, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and other SNDC bodies to prevent abusive practices and protect consumers
Recommendations to consumer protection agencies
Among the guidelines provided in the technical note are:
– Coordinated action by SNDC bodies in monitoring commercial practices in the sector
– Promotion of consumer education and awareness campaigns on the risks associated with gambling
– Encouragement of the creation of specific channels for handling complaints and reports related to sports betting
– Accountability of suppliers and business partners who fail to comply with consumer protection standards, such as influencers and promoters
The technical note does not deal with regulatory issues, as these are the responsibility of the responsible authorities, but reinforces that consumer rights are applicable to any consumer relationship, including fixed-odds bets.
This movement represents a step forward in consumer protection, contributing to more robust and coordinated action by SNDC bodies, aligned with the challenges brought about by the new scenario in the betting market in Brazil.
