Betting R$20 a Risk? Charging 300% Interest is “Normal”?

Fernando Vieira Calls Out Financial Hypocrisy

Brasil.- July 15, 2025 | www.zonadeazar.com Fernando Vieira, president of IBJR, challenges the narrative that criticizes the “risk” of betting R$20 while ignoring triple-digit interest rates charged by Brazilian banks.

The Real Debt Burden in Brazil

Brazil has one of the world’s most expensive credit systems, with interest rates exceeding 300% annually on credit cards and personal loans. According to IMF and World Bank data, Brazil recorded a 31.5% bank spread in 2023, the world’s third highest.

Who Really Cares About Debt?

While the gambling debate claims to protect consumers, retailers and banks profit massively from high-interest rates. Brazil’s card market moved over R$4 trillion in 2024, accounting for 45% of household spending.

The Missing Debate

Vieira emphasizes that gambling should be regulated and monitored, but the debt conversation must be honest:
👉 Is it about protecting families or controlling household money?
👉 Betting R$20 won’t break a budget, but normalizing abusive interest rates will.

🔗 The real scandal isn’t a R$20 bet—it’s normalizing 300% annual interest.

🔗 Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com