Zona de Azar Brazil – Brazil: Ministry of Sport Advocates for Regulation of Sports Betting

Brazil.- November 13, 2024 www.zonadeazar.com In a hearing held at the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on Monday (11/11), Giovanni Rocco Neto, National Secretary of Sports Betting and Economic Development at the Ministry of Sport, addressed the challenges posed by the lack of regulation for online betting in Brazil. He emphasized the urgency of legislation to regulate the sector and ensure the integrity of games.

The meeting, led by Minister Luiz Fux, was convened after the National Confederation of Commerce, Goods, Services, and Tourism (CNC) requested the unconstitutionality of Law 14,790/2023, known as the Betting Law, which is currently in the process of regulation by the Federal Government.

During the session, Giovanni Rocco warned of the negative impacts of unregulated betting and the need to differentiate sports betting from online games known as “Tigrinho.” He also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Sport: “Our main mission is to protect the integrity of sport, to detect, combat, and prevent manipulation of events and results related to sports betting,” he explained. The secretary also provided an update on the regulatory process: “This issue requires quick analysis of information and indications, in joint work among the Ministries of Finance, Sport, and Justice, which is already underway,” he stated.

Giovanni Rocco also noted that the growth of sports betting in Brazil has raised significant concerns about addiction and its social repercussions, as well as the immediate association of betting with football, a national passion for Brazilians.

“We express our concern about the risks to the image of sport and emphasize the importance of preserving the integrity of this activity. This mission, assigned by Minister André Fufuca, includes a special focus on the protection of children and adolescents,” stated Giovanni Rocco, National Secretary of Sports Betting and Economic Development.

Historical Background

Since 2018, fixed-odds betting on sporting events has been legalized by Law 13,756/2018, which established a two-year deadline for regulation, extendable by an equal period. This deadline was neglected by the previous administration, and only the current federal administration has started the process of regulating betting in the country.

In 2023, the 2018 law was amended, and after approval by the Legislative Power, fixed-odds betting legalized in Brazil, known as online games, were included. Law 14,790/2023 was then enacted, granting the Ministry of Finance authority to regulate the fixed-odds betting sector and the Ministry of Sport responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the sector.

“The market grew without oversight and regulation by the Brazilian government. Only with the government of President Lula did a true regulation process begin, with more than 20 regulatory ordinances published in an effort to regulate a complex market that has already been operating for over five years in the country,” recalled Rocco.

Among the panelists at the public hearing were representatives from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and the Ministries of Finance, Human Rights, Health, Social Development, and Justice and Public Security. The hearings also included specialists and representatives from civil and sports organizations.

The debate continues on Tuesday (12/11) in Brasília, with Fux highlighting eight key aspects of the legislation for discussion.

Editor: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com