Brazil’s IBJR and Loterj Respond to Mounting Criticism Over Gambling Regulations
On 4 October, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) issued a manifesto titled “To Play, You Need Rules”, addressing growing concerns surrounding the legal gambling industry in Brazil.
As the launch of the regulated betting market is set for 1 January 2025, IBJR has initiated a comprehensive media campaign emphasising player protection and stringent regulation. The manifesto appeared prominently in leading Brazilian newspapers such as Folha and O Globo.
Representing approximately 75% of Brazil’s gambling market, IBJR includes major operators like Bet365, Flutter, and Entain. The manifesto underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering a “clean” and sustainable betting industry:
“Our objective is to promote all necessary efforts to develop a sustainable, safe, and reliable online betting ecosystem, generating benefits for society as a whole.”
IBJR’s Four Core Priorities
The manifesto outlines four key focus areas to ensure a safe and well-regulated environment for Brazilian gamblers:
- Strict Regulatory Enforcement: IBJR advocates for close collaboration with the government to establish shared and effective regulatory measures.
- Responsible Advertising: In light of recent controversies, IBJR urges operators to adhere to strict guidelines for promoting betting services.
- Economic and Sports Contributions: The organisation highlights the industry’s role in bolstering Brazil’s economy through tax revenue and investments in sports, particularly football.
- Promotion of Responsible Gambling: IBJR calls for betting practices that respect financial and emotional boundaries, ensuring player well-being.
In September, IBJR announced that its members would voluntarily implement a ban on using credit cards for gambling, originally scheduled to take effect in January 2025.
Loterj’s Response
The Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) issued its own statement reaffirming its dedication to responsible gaming. According to Loterj, licensed brands under its jurisdiction follow internationally recognised standards for complaint handling and responsible gaming programs.
Addressing recent criticisms, Loterj also defended its measures against money laundering and terrorism financing, which have been under scrutiny during its legal dispute with the federal government regarding licensing rights.
Hazenclever Lopes Cancado, President of Loterj, stated:
“We have implemented modern and rigorous requirements for accrediting betting operators, ensuring a secure environment where responsible gaming practices are essential to protecting players.”
Public Concerns and Government Oversight
As the official market opening approaches, criticism of the gambling sector has intensified. An August survey conducted by Hibou revealed that 10% of Brazilians faced financial difficulties related to gambling. Additionally, a study by the Brazilian Society of Trade and Consumption (SBVC) found that 23% of gamblers who allocate part of their salary to betting reduced spending on clothing, while 11% cut back on healthcare and medication.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security recently reached out to 17 operators, seeking clarification on their measures to protect vulnerable consumers, particularly concerning advertising practices and restricting access for minors.
