The National Consumer Secretariat requested clarifications on advertising of betting, bonuses, and restrictions for minors. Companies have ten days to respond.
Brazil.- The Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), through the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), notified 17 online betting companies to present, within a ten-day period, detailed information about advertising, bonuses, and access restrictions for minors. The measure responds to growing concerns about the impact of these practices on vulnerable consumers, especially children, teenagers, and individuals prone to indebtedness.
The notification is based on articles 5 and 170 of the Constitution and the Consumer Protection Code, which establishes consumer protection as a fundamental principle of the economic order and transparency in consumer relations. "The increase in promotional practices and bonuses can make consumers vulnerable and expose minors to a world of risks," highlighted the National Consumer Secretary, Wadih Damous. The goal, according to him, is to ensure that companies act within the limits of the law.
Senacon requested companies to clarify their bonus, marketing, and communication policies, especially those aimed at preventing pathological gambling and protecting minors and vulnerable consumers. "It is essential that betting companies have a clear communication policy about the risks associated with gambling," stated the director of the Consumer Protection Department, Vitor Hugo do Amaral. Consumers have the right to make informed decisions, informed about the real chances of winning and the risks. "Any practice that compromises this right will be subject to inspection," he added.
Among the requirements, Senacon asks companies to explain their marketing and advertising policies, focusing on how they avoid reaching minors and consumers in vulnerable situations. Senacon also questions the lack of measures against excessive consumer indebtedness and demands information about the availability of service channels that adequately respond to user complaints.
The notifications include demands for transparency in the betting system, requiring companies to ensure that consumers have access to clear and sufficient information to make informed decisions. Regarding the practice of bonuses, Senacon reminds that the legislation prohibits the granting of advances, bonuses, and other financial advantages with the aim of encouraging betting.
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Companies have 10 days to respond to the requests and clarify the issues raised by Senacon. The Secretariat reported that the notifications seek to ensure consumer protection and prevent abusive practices that may compromise the financial and mental health of bettors.
