ANJL criticizes Rio decree against betting advertising and promises legal action.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) released an official statement rejecting the municipal decree of Rio de Janeiro that imposes restrictions on the advertising of sports betting, the so-called "bets," and announced that it will take legal action to ensure the prevalence of federal regulations over municipal legislation.
The organization disputes the authority of the Rio de Janeiro city government to regulate a sector already governed by the Ministry of Finance. According to ANJL, any rules regarding betting advertising should be defined at the federal government level, which it considers constitutionally competent to address the matter.
The attack against the decree
In the statement, the association affirms that it will adopt “the appropriate measures to ensure respect for the federal regulations governing advertising in the sector.” The initiative signals a likely legal battle between the entity and the municipality of Rio de Janeiro.
ANJL expands its criticism by pointing out a contradiction in the city hall's conduct; while Rio de Janeiro issued a decree aimed at the regulated market, no measures have been taken by the municipal administration to combat illegal gambling. "The municipality has not taken any measures to curb illegal gambling. But a regulated market, which pays taxes and generates thousands of jobs, is the object of an unfounded attack," the statement says.
Appeal for federal debate
In a conciliatory tone with the rest of the public authorities, ANJL declared its respect for the autonomy of states and municipalities, but conditioned the validity of advertising restrictions on the federal forum. The entity made itself "available to federal authorities, the National Congress and civil society to contribute to a serious, technical and constitutionally grounded debate on the regulation of the activity in Brazil".
The association reaffirmed the sector's commitment to responsible advertising practices and the promotion of responsible gambling, seeking to disassociate the image of the regulated market from the negative perception that motivated the municipal decree.
The confrontation exposes a tension that extends beyond the Rio de Janeiro case; to what extent do municipalities and states have the authority to legislate on a sector whose federal regulation is still being consolidated? The answer to this question will depend, to a large extent, on the legal path that ANJL decides to take.
Official statement from ANJL regarding betting advertising in Rio de Janeiro.
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) is following with concern the legal developments of the municipal decree in Rio de Janeiro, which establishes regulations for a sector that is legally regulated and subject to the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance.
The Association respects the autonomy of states and municipalities. However, in this case, it will take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing advertising in the sector.
The decree from Rio de Janeiro is even more concerning because the municipality has not taken any measures to curb illegal gambling. But a regulated market, which pays taxes and generates thousands of jobs, is the target of an unfounded attack.
ANJL is making itself available to federal authorities, the National Congress, and civil society to contribute to a serious, technical, and constitutionally sound debate on the regulation of the activity in Brazil.
We reiterate that the sector is committed to responsible advertising practices and the promotion of responsible gambling. Any restrictions on advertising should be discussed within the scope of the federal government, the competent body to regulate the matter.
National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL)
