The use of Bolsa Família for online betting
The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) publicly expresses its full support for the recent statements made by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, during an interview with CBN magazine, regarding the measures planned by the government to regulate the betting sector in Brazil. The four major fronts mentioned by the minister are fundamental to correcting the distortions of the irregular market and protecting Brazilian society, as we analyze below.
Blocking websites that do not seek regulation is, without a doubt, a crucial measure for the health of the betting market. Taking down platforms that operate outside the law should be seen as a firm and necessary action, an initiative that the IBJR fully and unreservedly supports.
As for payment methods, the government's commitment to prohibit the use of credit cards and Bolsa Família for betting transactions reflects a legitimate concern about the indebtedness of the vulnerable population. IBJR members have already voluntarily committed to banning credit card transactions on their platforms.
We welcome and fully support any government initiative regarding the end of the use of Bolsa Família subsidies for betting. The IBJR and its members are committed to responsible gaming and will strictly comply with federal government regulations, which require operators to assess the financial capacity of bettors and ensure that their spending is aligned with their income. This principle is the cornerstone of a robust regulatory framework.
All IBJR members are deeply committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and minors, actively promoting a safe and regulated gaming environment. We are awaiting the new era of regulated gaming that begins on January 1st and will fully comply with all government measures and ordinances designed to ensure responsible gaming throughout the country.
However, we emphasize the need to reevaluate the measures considered so far regarding the use of Pix – created to reduce the cost of financial transactions, the blocking of which does not seem to contribute to debt control. On the contrary, the blocking may favor sectors that profit from higher transaction fees, such as TEDs, imposing unnecessary costs on the consumer.
Regarding the monitoring of bets by CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry), we emphasize that the text of the regulation already provides for the use of mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable public. We are available to collaborate with the government, sharing the best practices used around the world that can contribute to a safer and healthier environment for bettors.
Regarding advertising, we recognize the need to regulate this activity, especially when it comes to unregulated operators, who often act outside the legal guidelines. The ban on advertising for the illegal market is an essential step to prevent the encouragement of uncontrolled gambling, protecting the population from invasive and excessive advertising.
Finally, we reiterate our support for the path being taken by the government and we are available to collaborate with the authorities in developing policies that protect consumers and strengthen the legal betting market in Brazil. We also emphasize that betting is a form of entertainment based on unpredictability, with no guarantee of financial gains.
Summary of IBJR commitments:
- Block payments via credit card as of 10/1
- All IBJR members have already applied for licenses with SPA/MF
- Follow MF guidelines on Bolsa Família
- Commitment to regulatory duties for monitoring CPFs and the financial capacity of bettors
- Act in accordance with all federal government ordinances and decisions
- Defend the regulation of advertising for the betting sector
Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR)
