The Brazilian government has initiated a collaborative initiative among several ministries to address gambling-related issues prior to the official launch of regulated sports betting and online gaming on January 1st.
This interdisciplinary team includes four representatives from the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and the Secretariat of Social Communication. Their mission is to create strategies aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm.
The group, consisting of 16 members, will convene at least every two weeks to develop these strategies. Their work is set to last for 60 days, ending with a report that outlines their findings. The government has indicated that this period may be extended if necessary.
This initiative follows concerns from lawmakers about Brazil’s unregulated market, which reportedly left consumers vulnerable to exploitative practices and increasing addiction issues. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the federal government has opted for more stringent regulations to protect bettors’ mental health.
The team’s duties include developing initiatives and policies focused on prevention, harm reduction, and support for individuals and groups susceptible to gambling problems. Furthermore, they will review current policies and propose regulatory actions to enhance consumer protection.
In their announcement, the government emphasized that regulating the fixed-odds betting market is crucial not only for economic oversight but also for social welfare. They acknowledged the overgrowth of this sector and are starting to implement measures to address these challenges. By putting the mental health and wellbeing of gamblers first, the government aims to foster a safer and more responsible gambling environment.
This working group was announced after a governmental decision to prohibit bonus advertising and the use of credit cards in the regulated market starting in January.
You can read more about this initiative on [EGR Intel](https://www.egr.global/intel/news/brazil-unveils-working-group-to-focus-on-preventing-gambling-related-harm).