“ The most important country that faced [ religious opposition ] was , and will be , Brazil ”
Magnho José , president of the Instituto Brasileiro Jogo Legal
A LONG AND WINDING ROAD TO REGULATION
Religion ’ s influence on gambling law in Brazil stretches back much further than the last few years . Gambling was banned in the country in 1946 due to religious influence and bingo was legalised between 1994 and 2005 before being prohibited once again . This is why the passage of Bill 3,626 / 2023 received such a positive reception when it passed in December – it was a long time coming .
Brazil is currently in the process of regulating its igaming and sports betting market . The country ’ s ministry of finance , in conjunction with the newly established regulator – the Regulatory Policy of the Prizes and Betting Secretariat – is continually publishing rules for the market , which include prohibiting credit card and cryptocurrency payments .
COULD BRAZIL BACKTRACK ON GAMBLING REGULATION ?
But to those rejoicing in the market finally regulating , José warns them not to get comfortable .
“ There is a great risk of backsliding ,” he states . “ I don ’ t believe that it will get to the point of repealing gambling laws , but the religious will hinder expansion and try to stifle existing gambling operations .
“ The ecumenical opposition that criticises the possibility of legalising gambling should reflect that the positive benefits of legal gambling far outweigh the disadvantages proposed by any person or group against gambling .”
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Baungartner is insistent that , at the end of the day , gambling is a business and its acceptance in other countries neutralises its standing . “ The mentality has changed over the years ,” he says .
So outright revocation might not be on the cards – not yet , at least . As long as the industry plays ball , says Fraga , it should be a smooth road ahead for Brazil ’ s regulating market .
“ As much the industry grows in Latin America and shows that it is an important part of society – generating jobs , moving economics , entertaining , controlling addiction , etc – there will be no reason to revoke the laws ,” he says . “ Even though we can continue to consider the risks , there will be nothing happening soon .”
iGB L ! VE 2024 • ISSUE 136 • 81