Brazil to Ban At-Risk Individuals From Online Betting

Brazil to Implement National Registry Restricting Access to Betting Platforms

Brazil is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to restrict access to online betting platforms for specific groups of individuals. The Special Secretariat of Finance (SPA), in collaboration with state entities within the Task Force for the creation of SINAPO, is leading the implementation of a national registry of prohibited individuals.

This registry will be accessible to licensed betting operators in Brazil, as well as state lotteries that have locally regulated betting activities. The goal is to ensure responsible gambling and protect vulnerable populations.

Who Will Be on the List?

The SPA’s list will encompass a wide range of individuals, including:

• Bolsa Família beneficiaries: Those receiving benefits from this social welfare program.
• Beneficiaries of the Continuous Benefit Program (BPC): Individuals receiving continuous benefits.
• Minors under 18: Protecting underage individuals from gambling.
• Public agents working in the betting sector: Preventing conflicts of interest.
• Professional athletes, referees, directors, inspectors, or sports coaches: Maintaining the integrity of sports.
• Individuals diagnosed with gambling addiction (ludopathy): Protecting those struggling with addiction.
• People who have self-excluded from betting websites: Respecting individual choices to abstain from gambling.
• Users prohibited from betting by a specific court ruling: Enforcing legal restrictions.

Industry Response and Challenges

Betting companies have voiced their support for banning Bolsa Família and BPC beneficiaries. However, they emphasize the difficulty of enforcing this rule without a unified government registry containing up-to-date information.

“Preventing beneficiaries of social programs from gambling… will depend on how the government provides and integrates this data.”

While betting platforms have already implemented Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, including photo ID and facial recognition, to prevent underage gambling, identifying beneficiaries of social programs and other legally restricted individuals presents a significant challenge.

Data Accuracy is Key

Identifying public agents, athletes, and other legally prohibited individuals requires a system with accurate and complete records. This is crucial to avoid incorrectly blocking individuals with similar names who are legally permitted to place bets.

The success of this initiative hinges on the government’s ability to build and maintain a comprehensive and accurate database, ensuring both the protection of vulnerable individuals and the fair operation of the betting industry.