Gambling in Brazil has several legal restrictions. Casinos have been considered illegal in Brazil and considered a criminal misdemeanour since 1946, by a decree signed by President Eurico Gaspar Dutra, who would have been influenced by his wife Carmela Teles Dutra, who was known for her strong religiosity to Catholic Church.[1][2][3] However, horse betting and sports betting are legal in Brazil.[4] Since 1967, the state-owned bank Caixa Econômica Federal have the monopoly on the exploitation of lotteries in Brazil.[5]
In 1993, commercial exploitation that offer bingo games and slot machines were legalized by the Zico Act, which provided for the commercial exploitation of bingo games to funding sports entities.[6] In 1998, the Pelé Act revoked the Zico Act and created a special chapter regulating bingo exploitation.[7] As of 2004, Provisional Measure 168, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, prohibited the commercial exploitation of bingos.[8][9]
The debate on the legalization of gambling is controversial in Brazil and collides with ideological and religious issues. Since 1991, several bills proposing the legalization of gambling are being analyzed in the National Congress of Brazil. Parliamentarians in favor of the legalization of gambling in Brazil claim that gambling can increase the revenue to be generated by taxing the commercial exploitation of games of chance. Members of the National Congress opposed to the proposal, which include congressmen from the Evangelical Caucus, raise questions about the mental risks of gambling addiction and argue that exploitation of gambling can open the door to corruption and money laundering.[10]
Current Situation of Gambling in Brazil
editRecently, Brazil has taken significant steps towards the regulation of online gambling and betting with the enactment of Law 14.790 on December 29, 2023. Known as the "Law of Bets," this legislation aims to bring transparency, security, and integrity to the online betting market, covering both sports betting and online casino games. The law introduces clear guidelines for payment methods, customer support, advertising, and measures to prevent money laundering and fraud.[11]
In a significant crackdown on illegal online gambling in Brazil, approximately 2,000 unauthorized websites are set to be taken offline in October 2024. The Ministry of Finance has released an updated list of 205 sites linked to 93 companies authorized to operate nationwide, along with 22 sites with state licenses. Users of unauthorized platforms are advised to withdraw their funds by October 10, 2024. The government is implementing strict measures, including prohibiting credit card use for online betting and creating an inter-ministerial working group to address the issue. Concerns about money laundering and the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly Bolsa Família beneficiaries, have prompted investigations and discussions on potential regulatory changes. President Lula has characterized online sports betting debt as a "dependency issue," emphasizing the need for comprehensive action to protect citizens and regulate the industry effectively.[12]
References
edit- ^ Máximo, João (2 March 2012). "A incrível história do homem que ganhou o Cassino da Urca no jogo". O Globo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ Belém, Euler de França. "FBI espionou mulher de presidente brasileiro". Jornal Opção (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 12 October 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ José, Magno (1 September 2021). "Especial: 'A complexa trajetória da regulação do jogo no Brasil'". BNLData (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ Magri, Diogo (25 September 2021). "Casas de aposta esportiva tomam o Brasil, mas movimentam seus bilhões de reais fora do país". El País Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Decreto-Lei nº 204, de 27 de fevereiro de 1967" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Chamber of Deputies of Brazil. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Lei nº 8.672, de 6 de julho de 1993" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Chamber of Deputies of Brazil. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Lei nº 9.615, de 24 de março de 1998" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Chamber of Deputies of Brazil. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Medida Provisória nº 168, de 20 de fevereiro de 2004" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Chamber of Deputies of Brazil. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ Tanji, Thiago (11 July 2017). "Tudo o que você precisa saber sobre jogos de azar no Brasil". Galileu (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Crise econômica na pandemia reacende debate sobre legalização de jogos no país". Senado Notícias (in Brazilian Portuguese). Federal Senate of Brazil. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Lei 14.790: Regulamentação das Apostas Online e Jogos de Azar no Brasil - Tudo o que Você Precisa Saber - Oddsseia" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2024-07-17. Retrieved 2024-07-20.
- ^ "Government backs down on blocking Bolsa Família card for online betting - Games Magazine Brasil". www.gamesbras.com. Retrieved 2024-10-07.