The Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on Game Manipulation and Sports Betting (CPIMJAE) heard from Regis Dudena, the Secretary of Prizes and Bets (SPA) at the Ministry of Finance. Legislators demanded measures to address potential issues related to gambling. According to data from a survey conducted by the Locomotiva Institute in the first week of August in the first seven months of 2024, 25 million Brazilians started placing bets online. The rapid growth of betting apps is causing concern among senators, who highlighted the potential risks of gambling during the hearing.
In response to questions from senators, Dudena stated that the department is working on a public awareness campaign about gambling to be launched later this year, and starting next year, companies authorized to operate sports betting will also need to participate in the campaign.
“This is a direct demand from the minister [Fernando Haddad]. We are working on the initial steps of this campaign so that the population understands that betting is merely entertainment and that people will likely lose money,” said Dudena after inquiries from the CPI president, Senator Jorge Kajuru.
According to a survey mentioned by CPI rapporteur Senator Romário, 80% of bettors are in debt. Currently, the department has regulations in place to oversee the sector, as Dudena pointed out. One such regulation establishes limits on logged-in time, among other measures intended to protect bettors and prevent excessive debt and gambling addiction.
Regarding advertising, Regis Dudena noted that one of the regulations specifies that starting January 1, all companies lacking authorization will be prohibited from advertising or sponsoring clubs.
“The Ministry of Finance, as the national regulatory body on this topic, will have the authority to notify companies to prohibit advertising by unauthorized firms as well as restrict influencers and affiliates from promoting these companies,” Dudena said.