Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Federal Government Creates Group to Address Gambling-Related Health Impacts

Brazil. – December 10, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com The regulation of fixed-odds betting in Brazil has progressed with the announcement of the creation of the Interministerial Working Group on Mental Health, Prevention, and Harm Reduction in Problematic Gambling.

Interministerial Ordinance No. 37/2024, which establishes the working group, was published this Monday (12/9). The initiative brings together representatives from the Ministries of Sports, Finance, Health, and the Secretariat for Social Communication of the Presidency.

The focus is on developing strategies to prevent and mitigate harm and to support individuals and communities affected by compulsive gambling practices or those in vulnerable situations, considering the fixed-odds betting context.

Since the legalization of fixed-odds betting in 2018, the lack of clear regulation has allowed the market to expand without proper oversight. This has led to negative impacts, such as exposing players to abusive practices and an increase in gambling addiction cases. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the federal government decided to implement stricter regulations for the sector’s operations, prioritizing the mental health of bettors.

Among the measures already taken are ordinances from the Ministry of Finance that limit payment methods, such as banning the use of credit cards and requiring bettors to be identified through CPF (taxpayer ID), facial recognition, and age verification. These actions aim not only to monitor player behavior but also to prevent abuses and curb illicit practices such as money laundering.

The newly created Working Group will have 60 days to discuss and propose coordinated actions among the ministries. Its meetings will be held biweekly. The group’s responsibilities include actions, policies, and preventive measures; harm reduction; and assistance for vulnerable individuals and social groups dealing with persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior.

The group may review administrative actions and public policies and suggest regulatory measures or any other initiatives to reduce harm and address the issue, considering the respective competencies of each ministry.

The group is also tasked with liaising with any public or private entity to receive information or other collaboration that may assist in fulfilling its mandate.

The group may include in its actions and policies other initiatives deemed necessary, such as educational and awareness campaigns for bettors on gambling risks; mental health assistance programs; guidance on prevention and treatment for gambling-related issues; and criteria for directing and orienting betting operators.

Regulating the fixed-odds betting market is not just a matter of economic control but also of social protection. The unregulated growth of the sector has exposed challenges that are now being addressed with concrete measures. By prioritizing the mental health and well-being of bettors, the government is committing to building a safer and more responsible environment.

Edited by: @_fonta
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