LUN 25 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024 - 16:23hs.
Andre Gelfi, president of the IBJR

Sports betting is entertainment, not an investment!

With the growing popularity of sports betting in Brazil and around the world, there is a need to discuss the nature of the activity, which surpassed 2 billion hits at the end of 2023. In November alone, there were 61.4 million visitors unique, according to the website SimilarWeb. Andre Gelfi, managing partner of the Betsson Group and president of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), points out in an article that it is entertainment and never a way to generate income.

Can betting be considered a form of investment? Andre Gelfi, managing partner of the Betsson Group in Brazil and president of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), increasingly highlights the importance of viewing the activity as entertainment, always responsibly, and never as a way of generating income.

* Sports betting and financial investments are two absolutely different activities, with different intentions and approaches.

* While investing presupposes capital protection and remuneration, in addition to analysis, strategy and long-term risk management, sports betting is based on the exposure of capital, in this case the bet, to the full loss of the amount bet.

* Betting in its essence is playful, entertainment, oriented towards emotion and immediate results.

* It is essential not to commit all your finances to sports betting. Having solid financial planning helps ensure that money earmarked for everyday bills and expenses is not used for gambling. Establishing clear spending limits and maintaining a balanced budget are essential practices to avoid financial difficulties.

* The possibilities involved in sports betting go beyond losing money. Lack of control, gambling addiction and negative impacts on personal finances are just some of the possible negative consequences.

* Inappropriate use of sports betting can have serious consequences, such as the development of pathological gambling problems, financial difficulties and damage to personal and family relationships.

* Bookmakers must promote responsible gambling to users. This involves offering an exciting experience and raising awareness about healthy gambling practices.

After all, sport should be a fun form of entertainment. With responsibility and moderation, you can enjoy this type of sports without worrying about taking financial risks.

Andre Gelfi
Managing partner of the Betsson Group in Brazil and president of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR)