The individual choice regarding sports betting is the focus of the article by Gabriela Moraes, director of Private Construtora and associate of the Instituto Líderes do Amanhã, for Gazeta do Povo. In it, the executive presents the main issue of her concept: "are we willing to sacrifice our freedom in the name of state protection that, most of the time, ends up curtailing our rights?". She advocates for "encouraging autonomy and responsibility among people".
The debate about the online betting market in Brazil is gaining momentum. Recently, Minister Luiz Fux of the Supreme Federal Court scheduled a public hearing for November 11 with the goal of discussing the impacts of this sector.
The discussions occur amid concerns about the use of Bolsa Família for electronic betting, leading the government to consider more severe regulatory measures for both national and international betting companies. However, the intention to increase control over this market raises a fundamental question: is the government trying to regulate more than it should?
It is not new that the Brazilian state has a voracious appetite for control. From the economy to individual behavior, there seems to be an uncontrollable desire for interventions.
In the case of online betting, the government, instead of addressing the issue with moderation, is moving towards an exaggerated approach, justifying its actions with the need to protect the mental health of the population and public finances. However, is the solution in more regulation?
The real question is: are we willing to sacrifice our freedom in the name of state protection that, most of the time, ends up curtailing our rights?
The reality is that excessive regulation tends to suffocate markets that could be beneficial to the economy. Online betting, or any other economic activity, stimulates the economy and generates jobs and income.
Moreover, there is a dimension that needs to be considered: individual responsibility. The State, in trying to protect society from all risks, ends up underestimating the individual's ability to make their own decisions.
Betting, like other recreational activities, does not justify severe intervention. The healthiest path is education and promoting awareness, rather than exaggerated state control.
Online betting represents a robust economic opportunity, capable of generating billions of reais without the need for excessive state control. Studies conducted by research institutes and financial consultancies, such as PwC and KPMG, often explore the economic potential of this sector, estimating that it could move about R$ 10 billion annually.
This revenue could be used directly by citizens, promoting a more dynamic economy, instead of being drained by state bureaucracy. Instead of trying to control what individuals do with their money, the government should recognize that freedom of choice is fundamental for economic prosperity. When people have autonomy to decide, they naturally seek options that meet their needs and interests.
Moreover, examples from countries that have adopted a more libertarian approach show that the betting sector can thrive without government intervention.
The United Kingdom, for example, saw the creation of more than 100,000 jobs and a collection of more than 3 billion euros in taxes, all while maintaining freedom of choice.
Just like in other areas of life, people should have the freedom to decide how and where to spend their money, without government interference. The real question is that, by allowing individuals to make their own decisions, we promote an environment where personal responsibility is the norm, not the exception. The freedom to bet should not be seen as a threat, but as a right that should be respected and defended.
Finally, it is necessary to consider that the market economy is driven by freedom of choice. By trying to control and regulate everything, the government restricts the citizen's options, who ends up living in an environment increasingly dependent on state decisions. This, in the long run, undermines individual freedom and brings us closer to a scenario where the government decides even how far we can entertain ourselves.
Therefore, the regulation of online betting is not necessary and can be harmful. The focus should be on reflecting on how far the State should intervene in our personal choices, especially when it comes to legitimate and private activities.
The real question is: are we willing to sacrifice our freedom in the name of state protection that, most of the time, ends up curtailing our rights? The solution is not in excessive control, but in defending individual freedom and encouraging autonomy and responsibility among people.
Gabriela Moraes
Director of Private Construtora and associate of the Instituto Líderes do Amanhã
