Brazil: Key SPA Adviser Steps Down Amid Regulatory Consolidation
Brazil – 14 January 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Marcelo Damato, former Special Adviser to Brazil’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), has left his position after more than two years supporting the development of the country’s regulated betting framework, at a decisive moment for the industry.
Overview
The resignation of Marcelo Damato, a technical figure deeply involved in drafting and structuring the SPA regulatory system, represents a milestone in the evolution of Brazil’s legalised betting market.
Damato was part of the core team responsible for shaping the rules and operational protocols that today guide operators, suppliers, clubs and financial institutions across the country.
Responsibilities and Contributions
Across his tenure, Damato played a role in:
• Drafting early regulatory structures
• Coordinating interdepartmental technical processes
• Validating licencing requirements
• Monitoring compliance standards (KYC/AML)
• Engaging with public and private stakeholders
His departure aligns with the SPA’s transition to a phase of full operational implementation, with audits and oversight now taking centre stage.
Key Themes & Interpretation
🔹 A natural transition point
With the regulatory foundations in place, experts anticipate more technical role shifts as permanent structures take over.
🔹 Institutional strengthening
The SPA moves from designing policy to administering a nationwide regulated market with social and fiscal implications.
🔹 Industry on alert
Licensed operators will watch for shifts in pace, communication and prioritisation from the Secretariat.
🔹 Professionalisation underway
Brazil enters a phase where regulation moves from theory to execution and long-term oversight.
Outlook
Analysts suggest the SPA will move toward maturity through:
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Consolidation of full-time specialised teams
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Recurrent audits of licensed operators
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Evidence-based refinements to existing rules
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Potential decentralisation to state-level structures
For the industry, Damato’s exit signals that regulation has left its formative phase, giving way to operational enforcement and market stabilisation.
🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com