PR own goal? ANJL raises concerns over Brazil social welfare betting ban

The Brazilian National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has warned that Brazil’s newly announced system to automatically block Bolsa Família and BPC recipients from online betting could be legally flawed. 

In a technical note sent to the Secretary of Prizes and Betting (SPA), ANJL argued the Supreme Court only prohibited the use of social benefits for gambling, not the participation of beneficiaries with other sources of income.

ANJL highlighted three main risks: democratic legality, since the restriction lacks clear legal backing; the possibility of fueling the illegal market by pushing players away from regulated platforms; and technical challenges of implementing the new rule while the sector is still adapting to Brazil’s regulatory framework.

The association framed its stance as part of its commitment to balanced regulation that both protects vulnerable groups and maintains individual freedoms. 

This position contrasts with the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), which has firmly backed the Government’s measure, arguing that social programs exist to secure basic needs and should never be diverted to gambling.

Good to know: ANJL recently pushed back against a $53m lawsuit, calling it “unfounded and disproportionate.”

From a market perspective, both arguments hold weight. Gambling is, ultimately, a form of paid entertainment and consumers should ideally have autonomy in how they spend their money. 

However, it is difficult to reconcile the notion of true freedom of choice when individuals who rely on subsistence programs may be drawn into activities that carry financial risk and potential harm.

Broadly speaking, this may be a PR own goal from the IBJR. It seems like something more experienced associations, such as those in the UK and US, would not argue against – given its social and moral implications.

Carlos Mendez

Writer

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