Brazil unveils working group to focus on preventing gambling-related harm
The 16-person body will be formed by members from four government departments with a remit of delivering a report on how best to protect consumers
The Brazilian government has launched an interministerial working group to prevent gambling-related harms ahead of the regulated sports betting and igaming market launching on 1 January.
The cross-department body will house four representatives from the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and the Secretariat of Social Communication tasked with developing strategies to mitigate harm.
The representatives will form the 16-person working group, which is due to meet at least every two weeks to thrash out plans.
The working group will be in action for 60 days, with a final report to be submitted containing its findings. Brazil’s government said the 60-day period can be extended.
The group was formed after lawmakers said Brazil’s grey market, which had a “lack of clear regulations”, meant players were exposed to “abusive practices and increasing cases of addiction”.
They added: “Recognising the gravity of the situation, the federal government decided to implement stricter regulations for the operation of the sector, prioritising the mental health of bettors.”
The group’s stated responsibilities will include creating “actions, policies and measures for prevention; harm reduction; and assistance to individuals and social groups vulnerable to problematic gambling behaviour”.
The interministerial team will also examine existing policies and make suggestions for regulatory action to better protect consumers.
The government statement concluded: “Regulating the fixed-odds betting market is not only a matter of economic control, but also of social protection.
“The uncontrolled growth of the sector has exposed challenges that are now beginning to be addressed with concrete measures. By prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of bettors, the government is committed to building a safer and more responsible environment.”
The introduction of the working group came after the government confirmed a ban on bonus advertising and use of credit cards in the regulated market in January.