The debate over the online betting market in Brazil is gaining momentum. Recently, Minister Luiz Fux of the Supreme Federal Court scheduled a public hearing for November 11th to discuss the impacts of this sector.
The discussions are taking place amidst concerns about the use of the Bolsa Família program for electronic betting, prompting the government to consider stricter regulatory measures for both national and international betting companies. However, the intent to increase control over this market raises a fundamental question: is the government trying to regulate more than it should?
It’s not new that the Brazilian state shows a voracious appetite for control. From the economy to individual behavior, there seems to be an insatiable desire for interventions.
In the case of online betting, the government, rather than addressing the issue with moderation, is moving towards an exaggerated approach, justifying its actions with the need to protect public mental health and the state's finances. But is the solution really more regulation?
The real question is: are we willing to sacrifice our freedom in the name of state protection, which more often than not ends up restricting our rights?
The reality is that excessive regulation tends to stifle markets that could be beneficial to the economy. Online betting, or any other economic activity, drives the economy and generates jobs and income.
Moreover, there is a dimension that must be considered: individual responsibility. When the state tries to protect society from all risks, it underestimates the individual's ability to make their own decisions.
Betting, like other recreational activities, does not justify severe intervention. The healthiest path is education and the promotion of awareness, rather than exaggerated state control.
Online betting represents a robust economic opportunity, capable of generating billions of reais without the need for excessive state control. Studies conducted by research institutes and financial consultancies, such as PwC and KPMG, often explore the economic potential of this sector and estimate that it could generate around R$ 10 billion (US$ 1.75bn) annually.
This revenue could be directly utilized by citizens, promoting a more dynamic economy, rather than being drained by state bureaucracy. Instead of trying to control how individuals spend their money, the government should recognize that freedom of choice is fundamental to economic prosperity. When people have the autonomy to decide, they naturally seek out options that meet their needs and interests.
Moreover, examples of countries that have adopted a more libertarian approach show that the betting sector can thrive without government intervention.
The United Kingdom, for example, has seen the creation of over 100,000 jobs and a collection of more than 3 billion euros in taxes, all while maintaining freedom of choice.
As in other areas of life, people should have the freedom to decide how and where they spend their money, without government interference. The real issue is that, by allowing individuals to make their own decisions, we foster an environment where personal responsibility is the norm, not the exception. Freedom to bet should not be seen as a threat but as a right that must be respected and defended.
Finally, it is necessary to consider that a market economy is driven by freedom of choice. By attempting to control and regulate everything, the government restricts citizens' options, leading them to live in an environment increasingly dependent on state decisions. In the long run, this undermines individual freedom and brings us closer to a scenario where the government decides how much we cannot entertain ourselves.
Therefore, the regulation of online betting is unnecessary and may be harmful. The focus should be on reflecting on how far the state should intervene in our personal choices, especially when it comes to legitimate and private activities.
The real question is: are we willing to sacrifice our freedom in the name of state protection, which more often than not ends up restricting our rights? The solution does not lie in excessive control, but in defending individual freedom and encouraging people's autonomy and responsibility.
Gabriela Moraes
Director of Private Construtora and associate of the Instituto Líderes do Amanhã
