The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) replied to a mounting outcry against legal betting today (4 October) with a manifesto titled “To play, there must be rules”.
With Brazil’s legal betting market due to open on January 1, 2025, the IBJR has published a new manifesto aimed at promoting player protection and regulation, accompanied by a big media campaign.
The manifesto was published on the cover of today’s editions of several major Brazilian newspapers, including Folha and O Globo.
The IBJR claims to represent 75% of the Brazilian betting market, and its members include Bet365, Flutter, and Entain.
The IBJR’s manifesto reiterates its commitment to establishing a “clean” betting market in Brazil. “Our goal is to promote all efforts to develop a sustainable, safe, reliable online betting ecosystem that generates benefits for the entire society,” according to the IBJR.
IBJR is concentrating on four fronts in Brazil.
In the manifesto, the IBJR listed four specific areas on which it is striving to provide a secure environment for bettors in Brazil.
It initially advocates for more regulatory enforcement, as well as enhanced engagement between the IBJR and the government to improve the industry via shared learnings.
The IBJR also focuses on advertising, which has been one of the most contentious components of regulation. The organization refers to its advertising rules as a means of encouraging businesses to market correctly.
Furthermore, the IBJR emphasizes the necessity of the gambling business in Brazil contributing positively to the economy and sports in terms of taxes, arguing that the industry should be “generating benefits for society as a whole”.
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The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming acknowledged its members’ contributions to Brazilian sports, notably their “significant long-term investments” in football, the country’s most popular sport.
Finally, the IBJR emphasized its wish to have responsible gambling promoted in Brazil, with all bets placed intentionally and in accordance with players’ personal financial and emotional constraints.
In September, the group reported that all of its members had agreed to hasten the ban on credit cards for betting, with the industry-wide restriction due to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Loterj respond
Following the publishing of the IBJR manifesto, the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) released its own announcement on responsible gaming.
In the announcement, which contains CEO quotations from many Loterj licensees, the regulator detailed how its licensed companies are supporting a “safe and conscious” gaming environment in Brazil.
Loterj states that its licensees must follow the finest worldwide rules in areas like as complaint resolution and responsible gaming programs.
Notably, it defended its policy on money laundering and terrorism financing. These have come under assault in recent months, as Loterj and the federal government have been fighting in court over the validity of the state regulator’s licensed brands’ ability to operate across Brazil outside Rio de Janeiro’s borders.
Back in April, the IBJR argued Loterj was acting outside of its jurisdiction by authorizing operators for national operations.
Hazenclever Lopes Cancado, CEO of Lot “We have established modern and rigorous requirements for the accreditation of betting houses, ensuring a safe environment, where responsible gaming practices play a crucial role in protecting bettors.”
IBJR and Loterj respond to increasing criticism of gaming in Brazil.
With less than two months until the legal market’s start, the IBJR and Loterj have both risen to the challenge.
The release of several polls exposing possible difficulties related to gambling in Brazil has contributed to the increase in pressure.
In August, market research firm Hibou performed a poll that revealed that 10% of the Brazilian population has experienced financial troubles as a result of gaming.
Following that, a disputed research by the Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption (SBVC) indicated that among Brazilians who spend a portion of their monthly wage on gambling, 23% had ceased buying clothing, while 11% had cut back on healthcare and prescription expenses.
Last week, Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) disclosed that it had contacted 17 betting providers to inquire about their preparations to safeguard vulnerable clients.
The MJSP, through the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), demanded that firms submit extensive information on advertising, bonuses, and steps to prevent minors’ access to Brazilian betting.
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