Brazilian government wants to ban online bets and restrict sports betting

[AVE5]

Let me understand something clearly about this whole thing with the bans, what is really the cause of the action? From what you have stated here, I see that it was duly because of illegal gambling of gamblers because from the look of things the casino's and gambling industries do operates legally with the fact that they are licensed.
At some points the government have to ignore the fact that they're making money from the gambling revenue and decides to do the right thing by placing the bans in other to conduct wellbeing of the people.
In the other hand, it's another form of cheating of the government that they'd tax individual companies for legal operations and still places them on ban after collecting money.

[Coyster]

People who want to gamble will find a way so I don’t support this at all. It’s much better if gambling is allowed but regulated to protect gamblers.
Banning it outright makes people take potentially illegal routes to fulfil their desire to gamble.  

Gambling is already regulated in Brazil, and operators with a valid license are operating legally. I don't really know what's wrong with the authorities in Brazil, they seem to be confused on what their stand is regarding gambling. I mean, it is just a little over a year ago that they charged these operators as high as 30 million Brazilian Reals as licensing fees, now they are thinking of limiting their operation.

That said, the proposal is not an outright ban, they are only planning on placing a ban on online casino games. Apparently, sports betting would be allowed to continue, though i don't think the platforms can survive financially with just that.

[Mr_Brilliant$]

Let me understand something clearly about this whole thing with the bans, what is really the cause of the action? From what you have stated here, I see that it was duly because of illegal gambling of gamblers because from the look of things the casino's and gambling industries do operates legally with the fact that they are licensed.
At some points the government have to ignore the fact that they're making money from the gambling revenue and decides to do the right thing by placing the bans in other to conduct wellbeing of the people.
In the other hand, it's another form of cheating of the government that they'd tax individual companies for legal operations and still places them on ban after collecting money.

We might push for illegality, that's why they want to ban gambling. But there is another thing that might have caused it. What if the government is concerned about it's citizens? The casinos might not have any issues. In fact, they might be following all rules and regulations. But the government might have raised this just for the concern of it's citizens. Let's not make everything all about negativity. Good leaders still exists.

[Odohu]

No matter what they government does gambler will definitely look for various means to gamble even is Brazil government bans online casinos. This is because gamblers will bypass and gamble with VPN and that puts the government on the losing side. They have made a lot of money from gambling why are they trying to ban online casinos operating legally in the country. They can ban the illegal ones.

A lot of casinos forbids the use of VPN so its definitely going to be a problem if gambling is completely banned in Brazil. The government may also go ahead to enforce compliance by freezing the accounts of anyone that is found to be gambling and there are many ways they can do that. The casinos may also be forced to comply with the government directives that gambling is not permitted for their citizens.

[DanWalker]

Sponsorship deal worth over 1 billion reais for Brazilian football club are now facing uncertainty. If govt ban these who will compensate the clubs for their financial loss?

Compensate the clubs for financial loss? What kind of sponsorship are you talking about?

I did not say that government would have to compensate football clubs due to sponsorship deal.

My point was that if there were major change to business model of betting company then their sponsorship commitment would be at risk.

Consequently if deal were terminated then those clubs would lose future sponsorship revenue.

Hence if legal framework alters rapidly after parties have been motivated to finance within it then smash is not limited to betting operator solitary. It can also affect clubs, sponsor and ultimately govt revenue too.

[HelliumZ]

It is really stupid for the Brazilian government to suddenly take such a step because the Brazilian government had taken 30 million reais to issue a license for five years in 2024, but why did the Brazilian government take such a step when the license was still valid?
However, if the Brazilian government has taken this as an experiment and to wait for public opinion, then it may be okay, but I do not think the Brazilian government will implement such a step in the future. However, maybe it may decide to take such a step to warn all these unlicensed casinos.

[Y3shot]

People who want to gamble will find a way so I don’t support this at all. It’s much better if gambling is allowed but regulated to protect gamblers.

Banning it outright makes people take potentially illegal routes to fulfil their desire to gamble. 

Banning won't stop online betting because gamblers will still find every possible means to continue gambling. This simply means nothing changes even if a ban takes place.

Regulating it is even better because, with regulation, it can only operate based on how it has been regulated. With this, change has taken place. By regulating online betting, there will be positive outcomes compared to when it is banned; this even makes irresponsible gambling increase.

[Alphakilo]

People who want to gamble will find a way so I don’t support this at all. It’s much better if gambling is allowed but regulated to protect gamblers.

Banning it outright makes people take potentially illegal routes to fulfil their desire to gamble. 

Banning won't stop online betting because gamblers will still find every possible means to continue gambling. This simply means nothing changes even if a ban takes place.

Regulating it is even better because, with regulation, it can only operate based on how it has been regulated. With this, change has taken place. By regulating online betting, there will be positive outcomes compared to when it is banned; this even makes irresponsible gambling increase.

I thought the same Brazilian government decided to tax gambling wins about 15% just to discourage gambling activities that has been in the high side, and then about the revenue they get, the sponsorship and license, to what end is this rumor aimed at?
They may obviously want to just increase their revenue from these operators and enforce stricter regulations and nothing more, because if they ban gambling activities, they are simply shooting themselves in the foot because illegal gambling will rise, underage gambling will rise, they would lose sponsorship and revenue and taxes they benefit from.

[Mia Chloe]

It is really stupid for the Brazilian government to suddenly take such a step because the Brazilian government had taken 30 million reais to issue a license for five years in 2024, but why did the Brazilian government take such a step when the license was still valid?
However, if the Brazilian government has taken this as an experiment and to wait for public opinion, then it may be okay, but I do not think the Brazilian government will implement such a step in the future. However, maybe it may decide to take such a step to warn all these unlicensed casinos.

It's not stupid if they have a proper reason to do something like that. In some countries the damage gambling has done is huge enough to consider a ban. Nevertheless it doesn't stop citizens from betting when they visit other countries regardless. The only issue will be placing a ban with no real issue.

Too many casinos out there are unlicensed... The average gambler cannot verify that's why you see when some does steal money you're unable to take legal action cos they are not even registered.

[Sandra_hakeem]

What do you think guys?

This is what I think:

There are advocates on both sides: some want a total ban, while others argue that with a ban, people will continue to gamble "illegally"

A country that people accept gambling already, the government should not deceive themselves by banning gambling in such country because the people in the country will continue to find ways to gamble.

Now it's not even about the governments deceiving themselves, they know exactly what they stand to lose if they place a ban on gambling. That automatically means no renewal fees for the licensing authorities under them, no benefits from shares, no taxation. Meanwhile, placing a ban on gambling doesn't censor any part of the gambling world from the gamblers in that region.

~snipwhether it be ban this or that, tax this or that, this is illegal or whatever, we have restrictions on exactly how we can spend our money somewhat.
Just seems off IMO.

It does. Worst case scenario, majority of these gamblers don't have a better chance to win anyway. Some just need that adrenaline rush to keep life going.

[Joy- maker]

What do you think guys?

I don't know the reason why the Brazilian government want to ban online bets and then restrict sports betting since they were mentioned on the OP.  The fact is, even if they decide to permanently ban online bets and some how restrict sports betting the Brazilians will still gamble illegally through offshore and underground platforms,  where players are more likely to face unfair games, delayed withdrawals and little or no protection when dispute arise.  However, I doubt if this would work because the Brazilians may protest against the decision,  especially those who see sports betting as a form of entertainment and a source of income.

[Brizi5000]

First thing he should understand is that this decision is not solely his decision to take alone,  those gambling companies are licensed to operate in the country and for him to do that will require a lot of process legally and most of this law makers are strong allies of the betting companies who will work in favor of the gambling companies. And again, this issue is not only about Brazil, it is everywhere around the world, gambling itself is not bad if done responsibly, but what is causing the major problem is gambling addiction as a result of non regulated gambling practices among people around the world, instead of banning gambling completely, there should be a level of regulation within gamblers such that they can’t exceed more than a certain expected income in online gambling. I don’t think it would be possible to ban gambling in Brazil because they still play a huge role in the country’s economy as majority of the sporting activities and football clubs are being sponsored by this gambling companies and casinos.

[Odusko]

First thing he should understand is that this decision is not solely his decision to take alone,  those gambling companies are licensed to operate in the country and for him to do that will require a lot of process legally and most of this law makers are strong allies of the betting companies who will work in favor of the gambling companies. And again, this issue is not only about Brazil, it is everywhere around the world, gambling itself is not bad if done responsibly, but what is causing the major problem is gambling addiction as a result of non regulated gambling practices among people around the world, instead of banning gambling completely, there should be a level of regulation within gamblers such that they can’t exceed more than a certain expected income in online gambling. I don’t think it would be possible to ban gambling in Brazil because they still play a huge role in the country’s economy as majority of the sporting activities and football clubs are being sponsored by this gambling companies and casinos.

Anything that make the governant to take licensing fees from those gambling companies and tax including other tariff payments, that put this bill to a standing point because the potential kick backs is going to require the Brazilian government to make refund of the sponsorship payments for their national teams and also the licensing fees paid by those companies to get refunded, since the new bill makes the previous registrations invalid despite their licensing certificate being active for another 3-4 years ahead.

[EluguHcman]

Brazil's complete game plan is frankly ridiculous!
Executing such U-turn is nothing short of rug pull.

Lula administration first yielded tremendous revenue by marketing license and now all of a sudden they have memorized their social responsibility! lol

Modifying laws overnight after endowing enterprise license create more than just legal uncertainty. It also totally erodes Brazil's credibility in eyes of major global investor.

That certainly another form that you can not beat the house edges.
Like those that are skeptical about the dealers and the provably fair uncertainty of the Casinos can probably see this ridiculous act of the Brazilian government to be a higher house edge when we say you can not beat the house edge. 
This one of the government is of a higher one which in robbery cases happens in the daylight.

Who dares this defamation or contradiction and gets scot free without being justified according to the law?
Just after extorting the industry became the earliest stage of them (government) realizing the negative attributes of the gambling industry in the society.

What a foul after issues licenses. Why not they refund the license fees they have collected so far and keep the percentage of incomes they have been generated so far. They should prove some fairness for goodness sake.

[eternalgloom]

Brazilian government is now facing dilemma.

Afaik 75% of Brazilian population is opposed to gambling.

If such large segment of population oppose gambling, it becomes difficult for government to maintain its legality.

Moreover considering the economic aspect, it is highly profitable for government.
Since Brazil has already legalized gambling, government itself would face losses if it were to ban it now.
imo, Gamblers will not stop gambling but government will lose its revenue.

[Orpichukwu]

But the reality is that there is extreme uncertainty for those who invest in Brazil, and that the government can change its mind at any moment and simply overhaul all the rules overnight

What do you think guys?

I think the Brazil government are bridging their own part of the contract agreement; they charged those casinos for a 5-year contract period only to come up the next year and create a policy that voids that contract. I think all licensed casinos have the right to either request a refund or sue in internal court or whatever authority can handle such a case, and anyone coming to do business in Brazil should use this as a reference as to how they can be bipolar in their own decision.

[r_victory]

As far as gambling goes, I have always thought that we work for our money and should be able to spend it however we want, but governments everywhere try to put some sort of restriction on that, whether it be ban this or that, tax this or that, this is illegal or whatever, we have restrictions on exactly how we can spend our money somewhat.

I also believe that the money is mine to spend however and wherever I please. The major issue here is that people are using social benefit funds, which aren't exactly substantial given the cost of living in Brazil, to gamble. There is also the fact that nearly 39.5 million people have used betting platforms over the last 12 months; of these, 19% used money meant for living expenses, and 17% skipped paying basic bills in order to gamble. Is it the casinos' fault? I don't think so, but this situation is being used as a justification and, as I mentioned earlier, as a way to score political points ahead of the upcoming election by claiming to care about the people.

[Hispo]

Brazilian government is now facing dilemma.

Afaik 75% of Brazilian population is opposed to gambling.

If such large segment of population oppose gambling, it becomes difficult for government to maintain its legality.

Moreover considering the economic aspect, it is highly profitable for government.
Since Brazil has already legalized gambling, government itself would face losses if it were to ban it now.
imo, Gamblers will not stop gambling but government will lose its revenue.

It is a matter of fact gamblers will continue gamble even if the Brazilian government decided to outlaw all casinos and bookies in the country, they would lose all that renevue, which would go to the pockets of illegal casino operators.

In my opinion, Brazil is just supposed to keep gambling and betting legal in their territory and allow people to do whatever they want with their own hard-earned money. It is truly that simple.

Even if there are millions of people in the country who oppose gambling, there must be also millions who defend personal freedom and with personal freedom comes the right to gamble and bet.

[eternalgloom]

@Hispo, however issue is not limited merely to how individual choose to spend their own money. It seems to me there are significant social harm involved here.

When 75% of population opposes gambling then it is not just any ordinary opinion. And government, after all, represents the people.

I am not really sure what the gambling environment is like there, perhaps negative impact on their society is severe. Public might realize that cost of addressing social problem caused by gambling would exceed tax revenue government generate from it. I dunno exactly.

Therefore balance needs to be struck. It is not right to disregard public interest and social stability simply by citing govt revenue and unfettered personal freedom.

[EugeniaX]

Brazil tightening betting rules again is definitely a big development, especially with the government now discussing a measure targeting online casinos.