Brazil’s National Public Defense Agency has expressed support for the country’s betting regulation law, known as Lei das Bets, during a recent Supreme Court hearing. However, the agency emphasized the importance of implementing stricter social protections for bettors, particularly through limitations on advertising and increased awareness about responsible gambling. The Public Defender’s Office argued that while legal betting should continue in Brazil, it must be accompanied by measures such as advertising restrictions and mandatory treatment options for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
In their filing, the DPU highlighted models from countries like the UK, Spain, and Portugal, where shared responsibility frameworks aim to safeguard vulnerable populations. They also criticized recent legislative proposals that suggest removing welfare benefits, such as Bolsa FamÃlia, from individuals who engage in betting activities, deeming such measures punitive and ineffective.
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Additionally, Brazil’s Attorney General has filed a separate constitutional challenge, asserting that online betting should be classified as a lottery activity, which is reserved for federal regulation. This challenge aims to invalidate the current betting law altogether. Both legal efforts are currently on hold in the Supreme Court, with no scheduled dates for further proceedings.
A key concern fueling these debates is the notable amount of welfare aid, like Bolsa FamÃlia, reportedly being spent on betting platforms by some recipients. The Public Defender’s Office’s intervention seeks to address these issues by advocating for a balanced approach—one that protects users and promotes responsible gambling without unfairly penalizing those most at risk. Gambling Advertising Brazil
