The proliferation of bets has reached such a point that the Planalto is studying having Lula make the package public in a national radio and TV broadcast. The Ministry of Finance is working on the final adjustments, with the aid of the Ministries of Health and Social Development as well. Measures include banning the use of credit cards and Bolsa Família cards to pay for bets; and also the obligation to display so-called responsible advertising in the commercials of these betting houses.
Lula will step into the controversy over bets, in a move that shows the government's discomfort with the issue has somehow led it to intervene directly. He will announce this week a package of measures focused on the mental health of bettors and on restricting advertising for online betting houses.
The Ministry of Finance is working on the final adjustments of what will be announced — with the aid also from the Ministries of Health and Social Development on some topics.
Measures include banning the use of credit cards and Bolsa Família cards to pay for bets; and also the obligation to display so-called responsible advertising in the commercials of the bets (which includes not allowing, for example, advertising campaigns suggesting that the bettor can become a millionaire with these bets).
Lula is not announcing these measures this week by chance. The reason is that starting Tuesday, October 1st, only the 120 betting companies that requested authorization to operate in Brazil will be allowed to continue operating.
In about 30 days, the government will review the applications. Those that pass the scrutiny will have to pay R$ 30 million to remain in the market.
The other approximately 500 bets that the government estimates exist will have to cease their activities starting Tuesday.
Source: O Globo
