Brazil faces an urgent challenge to better regulate sports betting. According to a report from the UNDP (United Nations Development Program), published by Folha. The current focus on taxation is insufficient. However, international experiences show that a multidimensional approach is necessary to protect the financial and mental health of bettors and avoid social inequalities.
Thus, the global online betting market is expected to be worth between US$80 billion and US$110 billion in 2024. Despite the rapid growth, experts warn that these bets could harm vulnerable populations, who prioritize betting over essential goods, attracted by the illusion of easy gains.
Financial and educational impacts worry experts
According to the UNDP, betting regulation is crucial to mitigate damage. The document warns that, even with an increase in revenue, economic development could be harmed without additional actions.
The report highlights the financial losses of families and the low generation of jobs in the sector. Furthermore, there is concern about the educational impact, with young people postponing undergraduate courses to bet online.
“If confirmed, this phenomenon could affect not only the short term, but also the country’s long-term growth, compromising the educational level and productivity”, points out the text.
UNDP suggests proposals for broader regulation
So, to face these challenges, the UNDP proposes the adoption of more comprehensive regulation. Recommendations include:
- Collection and dissemination of data on betting and its impacts.
- Measures to protect the mental and financial health of bettors.
- Responsible advertising policies to avoid exploitation of vulnerable groups.
The Ministry of Treasury has already implemented ordinances to regulate the sector. Among the measures are the ban on the use of credit cards on platforms and restrictions on advertising. However, there are doubts about the sufficiency of these initiatives. The department also works in partnership with the Ministry of Health to assist people with problems associated with gambling.
UNDP highlights the United Kingdom as a model
The UNDP highlights the United Kingdom as a successful example of regulation. In the country, the betting market is worth around US$18 billion, being supervised by the Gambling Commission. Among the measures adopted are:
- Progressive taxation. Operators’ profits are taxed between 15% and 21%, and can reach 42%.
- Player protection. Prohibition of credit cards, minimum age for betting and limits on advertising.
- Control tools. Voluntary self-exclusion mechanism, which allows players to block their access to platforms for at least six months.
- Specialized studies. A group of experts analyzes the impacts and technological advances in the sector.
According to the UNDP, the British model managed to promote greater transparency, awareness of the risks of betting and significant restrictions on aggressive marketing.
Experiences in the European Union and global challenges
In Italy, for example, gambling advertising has been banned since 2019. The ban extends to sponsorships, events and services, reducing harm to users and criminal activities.
However, advances are not homogeneous. Many countries have limited or no regulations, favoring illegal operators. This increases players’ vulnerability and reduces public sector revenue. The document highlights the case of South Korea, where severe restrictions did not prevent the growth of the underground market.
Regulate, not ban: the path for Brazil
Claudio Providas, UNDP representative in Brazil, highlights that bans are rarely effective. “If you prohibit it, you don’t have sophisticated mechanisms to monitor or control market growth,” he says.
Therefore, the lack of regulation facilitates access to illegal platforms, exposing the population to risks such as addiction and debt. In this scenario, it is up to Brazil to learn from international examples and adopt an approach that balances revenue, security and social well-being.