With the regulated iGaming market in Brazil still in its early stages, Dudena is already facing pressure from licensed operators to deal with the challenges posed by offshore operators who continue to operate outside the regulatory framework.
He highlighted the importance of a registration process for B2B providers, stating: “It is increasingly necessary to have this type of registration.” He indicated that a full license is not in the immediate plans, but that some form of certification for online gaming systems and other providers will be implemented.
The aim is to ensure additional regulatory oversight so that all providers meet the established standards.
Combating the illegal market
In addition to the registration of providers, Dudena emphasized ongoing efforts to combat illegal market operators. The Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA) is currently collaborating with major social media platforms such as Meta, Google and TikTok to limit advertising by illegal operators. Since the opening of the market, Brazilian authorities have already blocked thousands of domains associated with unlicensed gaming activities.
This proactive approach reflects Brazil’s efforts to provide a safe environment for players, while working with foreign regulators to identify and eliminate problematic operators in multiple jurisdictions.
Dudena mentioned conversations with representatives of the UK Gambling Commission to share and gain insights on experiences in the sector. “We know it is very important to learn from the mistakes of others,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation between international regulators to address common issues in the iGaming sector.
Brazil’s advertising regulations under review
As the Brazilian market matures, advertising guidelines are under intense scrutiny. Concerns about market saturation due to heavy advertising from new licensed operators have been discussed.
Dudena highlighted the need to implement stricter controls on advertising, but noted that such a measure could be considered in the future. He stressed the importance of taking a patient approach to assess the impact of current marketing practices on public perception.
A number of bills have been submitted to the Brazilian Congress proposing a complete ban on gambling advertising, but Dudena has spoken out against these proposals, saying they do not represent the best way to manage the market. Instead, he advocates a balanced approach, allowing for responsible advertising that protects consumers.
Future considerations
Looking ahead, Dudena commented on the possibility of implementing a centralized self-exclusion system for players. However, concerns related to the protection of personal data would need to be addressed before moving forward. This consideration reflects the growing awareness of responsible gaming practices in the regulatory environment in Brazil.
Despite the ambitious plans, Dudena and his team are currently focused on dealing with a large backlog of licensing applications. Since the opening of the Brazilian market, more than 300 companies have applied for licenses, but only 70 have been issued so far. The SPA is tasked with ensuring that all companies meet strict compliance standards before operating legally in Brazil.
A step forward
Strict registration requirements for providers would put Brazil a step ahead in regulating the online gambling market. Increased accountability, combined with collaborative work with international regulators, ensures safety and transparency for players, while minimizing issues related to black market operators.
It is essential that, within this ever-changing scenario, different stakeholders follow the continuous updates in the regulatory framework.
Source: SiGMA
