Legalisation of gambling in Brazil: analysis on the importance of responsible gambling

Controlling Gambling

The world of gambling arouses a variety of emotions, but also divides opinion. There are plenty of arguments in favour of legalising gambling in the country, whether it's because it pays taxes, creates jobs or expands leisure options. But there are also those who worry about excesses, which can lead to financial difficulties, health disorders and family problems. In both cases, more control is needed. 

Organisations that have lobbied for legalisation in the country advocate responsible gambling, with control over who bets (use of CPF and age of majority requirement), taxation and clear rules to be followed by registered companies. Health experts and the judiciary are concerned about the physical, psychological and social effects of gambling, which can lead to gambling addiction.

“We want the market to be governed by rules. This protects the sport, the people and the public coffers”, says André Gelfi, CEO of the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR). 

He stresses that there is no ‘silver bullet’ to solve gambling, but points out the importance of using data to monitor risky behaviour: “It is essential that platforms identify patterns that may indicate problems, such as significant financial changes, and offer means of self-exclusion and guidance.”

Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), cites the importance of raising awareness: "ANJL has been running campaigns on social networks to educate gamblers about the main function of online games: entertainment, not a means of making money or a source of income.

Government control

With the regulations that came into force in January this year, the Ministry of Finance imposed rules and restrictions on the market. But the health area was not included in the discussion as it should have been, says Carolina Costa, a psychiatrist at the service offered by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ): “It's a problem that calls for discussion across borders, as in the Tobacco Control Convention, signed by more than 180 countries, and which Brazil has implemented, having benefits that almost no country has had.”

What's legal in Brazil today

Bets: In 2018, the National Congress approved the bill that legalised fixed odds betting on sporting events (bets), which ended up becoming Law 13.756. However, there was a long period of time without the activity being regulated, which only happened last year.

Online casinos: In 2019, online casinos began to gain ground in Brazil through foreign websites, taking advantage of a legislative loophole. After a period in the grey area of the law, the activity was released by Law 14.790/2023, requiring companies to have their headquarters and administration in the country and to be subject to the rules of the Ministry of Finance. In 2024, the Tigrinho and Aviãozinho games were released on these platforms.

Other games: The release and expansion of other games of chance - such as physical casinos, bingos, jogo do bicho and horse racing - is provided for in Bill 2.234/2022, which still depends on approval by the full Senate, which should happen in 2025.

Horse racing has specific rules

Law 7.291, of 1984, established that horse racing in Brazil, with the exploitation of bets, would only be allowed to supply the resources needed to coordinate and supervise equine breeding (animal breeding and management), through the National Horse Breeding Coordinating Commission (CCCCN). Therefore, betting today can only take place on the premises of racecourses, the headquarters or sub-offices of horse racing organisations and by accredited agencies and agents.

By Ana Clara Veloso, Caroline Nunes, Gustavo Silva and Marcos Furtado