The regulation of fixed-odds betting in Brazil has advanced with the announcement of the creation of the Interministerial Working Group on Mental Health, Prevention and Reduction of Harm from Problem Gambling. Published this Monday 9 December, the initiative brings together representatives from the Ministries of Sports, Finance, Health and the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency, to focus on the development of strategies to prevent, mitigate harm and offer support to individuals and communities affected by compulsive gambling practices or in vulnerable situations.
Since the legalisation of fixed-odds betting in 2018, the lack of clear regulation has allowed the market to expand without proper supervision. This has generated negative impacts, such as players’ exposure to abusive practices and the increase in addiction cases. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the federal government decided to implement stricter rules for the sector’s operations, prioritising the gamblers’ mental health.
Among the measures already taken, are ordinances from the Ministry of Finance that limit payment methods, such as the prohibition of the use of credit cards and the requirement for gamblers to be identified through CPF, facial recognition and age verification. These actions aim not only to monitor gamblers’ behaviour, but also to prevent abuse and curb illicit practices such as money laundering.
The newly created Working Group will have 60 days to discuss and propose coordinated actions between the ministries. Its meetings will take place every two weeks. The WG’s responsibilities include actions, policies, and measures for prevention, harm reduction, and assistance to individuals and social groups vulnerable to, or in situations of, persistent and recurring problematic gambling behaviour.
The group may review administrative actions and public policies and make suggestions for regulatory action or any other measure to reduce harm and address the problem, under the powers of each ministry that are considered relevant.
Responsibilities
The group’s responsibilities also include coordination with any public or private agency or entity to receive information or other collaborations useful to perform its powers. The WG may involve in the actions, policies, and measures under its jurisdiction other initiatives of any nature deemed necessary, including educational actions and campaigns to raise awareness among bettors about the risks of betting, guidelines and mental health assistance programs, guidance on the prevention and treatment of problems related to betting, and parameters and criteria for guiding and directing betting operators.
Regulating the fixed-odds betting market is not only a matter of economic control but also of social protection. The disorderly growth of the sector has exposed challenges that are now beginning to be addressed by concrete measures. By prioritising the bettors’ mental health and well-being, the government is committed to building a safer and more responsible environment.
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