Brazilian authorities appoint Regis Dudena as head of the Prizes and Betting Secretariat
Brazil Moves Forward with Comprehensive Gambling Regulation
Brazil is making significant strides in the regulation of its gambling sector, with the implementation of a phased approach that began on January 1, 2025. This development follows the formalization of Law No. 14,790/2023, which established the legal foundation for fixed-odds betting on both sporting and non-sporting events, including online casino games.
The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), under the Ministry of Finance, has been appointed as the regulatory body overseeing this new market. Régis Dudena, a lawyer with extensive background in the legal sector, has been appointed as the leader of the SPA. Dudena's previous collaborations include working with the executive secretary of Brazil's treasury, Dario Durigan, and serving as a part of the National Association for Railway Carriers (ANTF).
The regulatory policymaking for the gambling sector in Brazil is focused on establishing a comprehensive framework for the sector. The ultimate objective is to create a regulated market for gambling activities, offering legal entertainment while protecting consumers from excessive spending and harm.
By the end of July this year, the Ministry of Finance aims to complete the establishment of regulations for the gambling sector. This includes setting up responsible gaming measures, such as voluntary self-exclusion options and deposit/betting limits, as well as addressing policy and enforcement developments, industry engagement, and potential market integrity issues.
The government is also discussing the possibility of imposing mandatory caps to prevent excessive losses. Regulatory authorities are collaborating with trade associations like the National Association of Legal Betting (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) to safeguard the regulated market’s sustainability. Debates continue on bet advertising restrictions and taxation, balancing preventing black-market growth and protecting players.
Last week, Brazil implemented rules that effectively prohibit gambling incentives such as free bets and bonuses. The government has expressed strong concern about a lack of oversight and illegal gambling abuses, indicating potential involvement of the Federal Police to address criminal risks linked to unregulated platforms and intermediary fintech companies.
The appointment of Régis Dudena marks a major step toward the regulation of gambling activities in Brazil. The goal for the gambling sector in Brazil is to offer legal gambling entertainment while protecting consumers from excessive spending and harm. The regulatory policymaking for the gambling sector in Brazil is expected to contribute to the launch of the legal gambling market at some point in the second half of 2024. The commitment to consumer protection is evident in the adoption of self-exclusion options and limits, alongside plans for tighter controls on advertising and market integrity enforcement measures.
Sports betting and online gambling are among the gambling activities that will be regulated under the new market in Brazil, given the legalization of fixed-odds betting on sports and non-sporting events, including online casino games. In the second half of 2024, consumers can expect a regulated market for these activities, offering legal entertainment while protecting them from excessive spending and harm. Furthermore, the regulatory authority is discussing the possibility of imposing mandatory caps to prevent excessive losses in sports betting markets.
