Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Regulated Betting Prevents Match-Fixing

Brazil – November 15, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com A report from the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) highlighted 42 alerts for suspicious bets in the third quarter of 2024, with only two of these cases in Brazil, involving one incident in soccer and another in tennis. This scenario underscores the importance of sports betting regulation by the Brazilian government.

The Federal Government has taken action by issuing a set of rules through 20 ordinances to regulate fixed-odds betting, commonly known as sports betting or “bets,” which are expected to take effect in January 2025, as established by Law 14.790/23. Additionally, the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting was created under the Ministry of Finance, responsible for implementing practices to prevent compulsive gambling, protect vulnerable individuals — especially minors —, as well as carry out oversight and prevent money laundering.

The Secretariat for Sports Betting and Economic Development in Sports, part of the Ministry of Sports, assumed the role of preserving sports integrity, focusing on monitoring match-fixing and transferring resources to athletes, clubs, and sports organizations. In cases of suspected manipulation, the Secretariat must notify the Federal Police and the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting.

Betting has a long history in human society and became popular in Brazil starting in 2018, with Law 13.756/18 and the widespread use of PIX. The updated legislation aims to provide greater control and investments in sports, fostering a fairer and more transparent sports environment. The Ministry of Sports, as an advocate for the General Sports Law, emphasizes that results should reflect athletes’ merit and effort, thus promoting development and citizenship.

The signing of agreements between the Ministry of Sports and monitoring organizations represents a significant step toward ensuring ethics and fairness in sports. These agreements enable monitoring systems capable of identifying fraudulent practices, preserving the credibility of competitions and public trust. Partnership with specialized entities strengthens sports governance, ensuring fair competitions for athletes.

Furthermore, the Ministry published an integrity ordinance, reaffirming its commitment to healthy and competitive sports. This regulatory measure aims to identify and punish attempts to manipulate results, discouraging illegal practices and promoting a culture of prevention and responsibility.

Best practices indicate that state regulation of betting is essential to protect the financial and mental health of bettors and prevent manipulation. International experience shows that banning or lacking state control does not bring social, economic, or security benefits.

Over the past six years, Brazil has experienced sports betting without state supervision. With the new regulations, the sector will be under government oversight. Without this control, the country could become a leader in match-fixing — a title the Ministry of Sports certainly does not want for Brazil.

André Fufuca
Minister of Sports
Article published in Folha de S. Paulo

Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com