The dispute between gaming and betting associations in Brazil
The Brazilian Association of Electronic Game Developers (Abragames) released an official statement this Wednesday, the 9th, addressing the discussion surrounding betting and gambling websites in Brazil. The organization declared its opposition to the "disorderly growth" of this type of market and expressed concern about "the significant threats to the quality of life of Brazilian families, especially those with low incomes, and the damage to the economy." The gaming sector reiterated that betting and gambling are not part of its industry, according to a note from VEJA magazine.
In its statement, Abragames advocated for firm action by authorities to prohibit betting sites without legal representation in Brazil, as well as the creation of legislation to regulate the advertising of these sites—which, according to the association, "has aesthetics designed to seduce young people and children"—in a more restrictive manner and with adequate taxation, helping to curb the damage caused by gambling addiction and promoting benefits and revenue for the country. "We defend the guarantee of the individual rights of citizens being respected," the association states.
Representatives of the betting industry countered the entity's position, stating that "it is essential to vehemently affirm that serious companies in the sports betting sector are at the forefront of building a healthy market that purges bad actors." According to Marcos Sabiá, CEO of galera.bet, defining sports betting sites as part of the entertainment industry is a consensus held by more than 150 countries, including 18 from the G20. This fact is ratified in Brazil by the Legislative Branch through Law 14.790 of 2023.
In response to the statements from the Game Developers Association, the CEO said that "it is time for everyone, civil society and state agents, to overcome issues that have already been faced regarding the importance of robust regulation of the gaming and betting sector." Sabiá emphasizes that by promoting a structured development cycle for the sector, it will be beneficial for all of Brazilian society, not only through taxes but also through job and income generation.
However, Abragames commented in its statement that diverting resources from the productive economy to gambling compromises consumption, quality of life, reduces economic activity and, consequently, harms the country's development. "The gaming industry will continue to operate ethically and responsibly, staying away from gambling practices and, especially, irregular ones," it concluded, further reinforcing its commitment and responsibility as outlined in the Legal Framework for Electronic Games (Law 14.852/2024).
Regarding the dispute between the entities, Cristiano Costa, psychologist and Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO) of the Brazilian Company for Support to Compulsive Gamblers (EBAC), said that EBAC will act in accordance with government regulations with betting companies licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets of the Ministry of Finance. The company will monitor the risk profiles of gambling addiction, pathological gambling disorders, and other problems associated with online betting.
CKO questioned, above all, what companies and their respective economic sectors, which operate in the supply of products with high compulsive and addictive potential, such as gambling, have done to offer specialized care and support to their vulnerable clients. "EBAC understands that joint action, frankly discussed and coordinated between companies, government, society, and mental health specialists, is the best way to agree on a win-win model," says Cristiano.
