Betting sector entities reacted to the statement by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva about the possibility of a “drastic” decision against bets in Brazil.
The statement was made during a meeting held on September 1st, at the Planalto Palace, with representatives of civil entities, religious leaders and economic sectors, with the intention of hearing from society about bets.
ANJL, AMIG and IBJR, gaming industry associations, question the absence of the sector and the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) from the meeting held to discuss the impacts of online betting.
For ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge, not bringing together sector representatives undermines the democratic debate on the social effects of gambling.
“Excluding this segment from the dialogue compromises the quality, impartiality and legitimacy of any decisions that may be made,” Lemos stressed.
Two-thirds of the decision already made
In addition to reaffirming his opposition to bets, Lula said the meeting would serve to finalize a decision that, according to him, was already partially defined.
The president stated that he intends to discuss a definitive solution with his government team this week and that he already has “two-thirds of the decision made.”
“This meeting was needed so that we can fine-tune and make a decision. It is extremely important that we save the country,” Lula explained.
Among the participants were Ricardo Alban, president of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), and Isaac Sidney, president of the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban).
In addition to them, Friar Jorge Luiz, of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), singer Emicida, cultural producer Paula Lavigne, and influencer Yuri Zero, from the comedy page Melted Vídeos, were also present.
During the meeting, participants reported concerns related to gambling addiction, family indebtedness and the social impacts associated with online betting.
Entities want to be heard before any measure against bets
In addition to ANJL, the Association of Women in the Gaming Industry (AMIG) also criticized the meeting organized by the government, especially regarding the lack of female representation from the sector.
According to the letter it sent to the Planalto, AMIG expressed “concern that a meeting in which women and their families were used as the central basis for a possible government decision” took place without the presence of the Ministry of Women and the entity representing more than 1,400 industry professionals.
The association also questioned data cited during the debate, including the survey finding that 42% of women bet or have bet before.
According to AMIG, the indicator, from the survey “Women & Bets: The Cost of Online Betting for Brazilian Women and Their Families,” by the CLARICE studio, measures current or past contact with betting, but does not allow for an assessment of frequency, spending volume, dependency or risk behavior.
In a statement, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) also contested the use of information presented at the meeting to justify harsher measures against bets without consulting the regulated sector.
“Part of the data predates the entry into force of the regulated market or was collected during its first few months. Other surveys use parameters from countries with realities different from Brazil’s,” the institute countered.
ANJL, AMIG and IBJR were all categorical in defending regulation, the fight against illegal gambling, stricter mechanisms to combat gambling addiction, protection of minors, and responsible gambling.
According to the entities, any structural change in the sector must be discussed with the participation of the regulated market and the body responsible for overseeing betting.