The intention is that, given the urgency of this issue, the matter will advance with politicians in the same way that the controversy over the growth of Asian marketplaces advanced, when an ordinance was published with clearer rules of operation, a source familiar with the matter told Valor.
News outlet Valor had already anticipated on Tuesday (27) that among members of Abras and IDV, the main retail institute, the hypothesis was raised of creating possible limitations on the use of credit cards and the release of loans assigned (on pay slips) aimed at paying off gambling debts.
This could be done through ordinances to be published on the subject, but it would require negotiation with banks, which makes the debate more complex.
In internal research, networks identified that employees were obtaining loans on their payroll, in part, to play online games and pay off debts.
IDV businesspeople have already met with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to discuss this issue, said Magazine Luiza CEO Frederico Trajano this week.
According to Márcio Milan, vice president of Abras, the Trade and Services Front (FCS), through federal deputy Domingos Sávio (PL-MG), is already aware of the issue, and a priority part of this debate is to discuss with government interlocutors ways to “expedite” the text of the betting law.
“We will meet with the Abras board of directors and advisory board to move forward more effectively to expedite the discussion in Brasília so that we can really have limits on amounts and advertising,” said Milan.
“The growth of ‘bets’ impacts all of society, especially the poorest families. We are supporting the PEC that defines more restrictions on betting advertising, and guiding companies in the sector to adopt a strict policy when selecting marketing agencies and influencers, so that they are more responsible with this issue,” he said.
“We will choose agencies and influencers that value social responsibility and that do not encourage gambling irresponsibly.”
According to Milan, simply informing consumers to gamble responsibly at the end of an advertising campaign is not enough. “Saying just that is difficult for those who expect easy winnings,” he said.
According to those involved in betting companies, there is already a transparent communication effort being made to reinforce that this is entertainment for players. And this aspect has been explored even more clearly in the brands’ campaigns in recent weeks.
In addition, they believe that there is no direct proven relationship between gambling and effects on consumption, said a spokesperson close to the sports betting association.
According to the ordinance published in July, betting companies will have to identify, qualify and classify the risk of bettors and report suspicious transactions to the Financial Activities Control Council (Coaf), an agency that combats money laundering.
The association believes that there is concern about betting because of the “most vulnerable” groups. Approximately 30% of bettors are from classes C, D and E, the highest percentage among social classes, according to the Locomotiva Institute.
Milan also spoke about the effect on sales. He said that, due to the drop in inflation of certain foods, “greater consumption was expected” in July. However, he says that it is necessary to wait for the next few months to see if this situation repeats itself, because there is still no “effective assessment” that the cause is betting, despite indications in this direction within companies.
“There are companies already warning their employees about the effect of gambling on their salaries,” said Milan. Valor learned that the Assaí chain sent a notice to employees a few days ago warning them about the “traps” with digital betting and games.
Last week, the federal government received 113 requests from 108 betting companies that want to operate in Brazil.
Furthermore, in June, in parallel with the growth of online gambling, the Constitution and Justice Committee approved a bill that authorizes the operation of bingo halls and casinos and regulates gambling, such as jogo do bicho, and betting in the country. The issue has already been forwarded to the Senate.
In an article in the newspaper “O Globo”, Senator Irajá Abreu (PSD-TO), rapporteur of the bill that regulates gambling and betting in the country, said this week that the text that will be discussed in the Senate is “mature” and ready to be voted on by September.
Source: Inteligência Financeira / Valor
