JUE 28 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024 - 14:39hs.
Application of Celina Leão (PP-DF)

Brazilian deputy wants to debate sports betting in public hearing

The Special Commission that analyzes changes in the Pelé Law approved the request for a public hearing presented by the federal deputy for the PP of the Federal District Celina Leão on the subject 'Regulation of sports bets carried out by electronic means.' The vote took place on Wednesday (7) and now it is expected the invitation to representatives of the Brazilian Association of Sports Betting, Brazilian Association of State Lotteries, Caixa Econômica Federal and the Financial Activities Control Council.

Congresswoman Celina Leão intends to discuss, in the context of a public hearing at the Special Committee, Bill 1153/19, created to institute general rules on sport and update of Law 9615/18, the role of bookmakers in the Brazilian market, while the country is working to regulate the activity.

In her justification, Celina Leão points out that there are “hundreds of online sports betting houses that have their bases in foreign territory.” According to the deputy, “their situation is not to be confused with that of casinos or the like, which are considered expressly illegal. However, there is no legal provision that regulates the operation of sports betting houses carried out by electronic means, nor an absolute prohibition.”

The deputy does not mention that the regulation of sports betting is with the Ministry of Economy and about to be presented to the market.

For her, "legal security is essential for the development of the sector, as well as for the proper supervision and prevention of excesses or unfair situations from being committed."

Celina Leão argues that the authorization for the operation of sports betting houses “should be based on criteria such as not granting explicit or unbalanced advantages in favor of the bookmaker and proof of the random and reputable nature of the bets. It is necessary to discuss how they should be provided for in the legal system and what other essential aspects would be for the activity to be regularly carried out, without asymmetries and allowing the sector to function fully legally and dynamically.”

Source: GMB