The increased penalty also applies to those who use advertising techniques aimed at people in vulnerable situations, if the promoter is a digital influencer or public figure and uses their status to promote the games and sites, and if the person has a share in the profits or receives any form of commission from the advertised company.
In his justification, federal deputy Kim Kataguiri says that the proliferation of illegal and unauthorized betting platforms poses serious risks to society. "The growing supply of gambling on the internet has caused significant financial and social problems," argues the congressman, citing cases in which Bolsa Família beneficiaries used money to bet.
Kataguiri cites a technical analysis by the Central Bank that showed that beneficiaries of the social program who place sports bets online spent R$3 billion (US$490m) on bets via Pix in August of last year.
The congressman also cites tactics used by digital influencers to attract users to games and claims that they end up masking the risks involved, presenting them as safe and recreational activities.
"This behavior contributes to the normalization of gambling, leading many to underestimate the risks and potential negative consequences associated with it," he writes.
"The criminalization of the promotion of illegal gambling also aims to reduce access to this type of content, which is widely available on social networks and digital platforms," he adds.
"The ease with which these games are found, often accompanied by attractive promotions and promises of large winnings, creates a highly dangerous environment, especially for young people and individuals in situations of economic vulnerability."
Source: Painel S.A.
