The final report of the Bets CPI should include measures such as limiting access to betting platforms, blocking spending on credit cards, restrictions on advertising and stricter technologies for registering bettors.
Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), the committee’s rapporteur, says that the objective is to avoid debt and combat gambling addiction, especially among teenagers.
Initially, the CPI investigates whether betting houses are linked to financial crimes. In addition, it analyzes the use of influencers in promoting games and assesses the impacts of betting on the family budget.
Senator Soraya Thronicke highlighted that international legislation is being analyzed, including facial biometrics and other technologies to make registrations more secure and prevent access by minors.
Furthermore, the senator pointed out: “There are countries that are already working on this, we can use Comparative Law. But it is obvious that the issue of facial identification, passwords, even the prohibition of minors being able to play, that registrations are done with great care and with several proofs.
Survey on possible addiction among young people and adults
According to the National Survey on Alcohol and Drugs, by the Federal University of São Paulo, 55% of gamblers between 14 and 17 years old are at risk of developing a gambling disorder, compared to 37.7% among adults.
Furthermore, people with incomes below the minimum wage are three times more likely to exhibit problematic gambling behavior.
To address the problem, the report may include:
- Limits on access to betting platforms.
- Control spending on credit cards.
- Making it easier to unsubscribe, as many users report difficulties in leaving these sites.
Senator Soraya Thronicke stated: “There must be a limit on games. If someone has logged into the platforms twice, they have only logged in twice. Spending limits. And another thing: when someone wants to leave. We have a history of people saying ‘I want to unsubscribe’. They can’t.”
Bets CPI and betting advertising
Gambling advertising will also be subject to restrictions. The rapporteur compares gambling addiction to alcohol and tobacco, arguing for similar rules for advertising.
Senator Soraya declared: “It is an addiction. An addiction like a nicotine addiction, an alcohol addiction, we cannot have advertising, it has to be treated as such.”
Finally, the Bets CPI has a deadline until April 30, but parliamentarians are discussing extending the work.