As the impact of online betting on the Brazilian public is debated in the Supreme Federal Court, three dozen clubs published a joint statement reaffirming their stance in favor of a regulated industry.
Brazil.- During yesterday's session, Tuesday, November 12, the Supreme Federal Court held the second day of public hearing on the impact of online betting on the Brazilian public. Present at the meeting in Brasilia, André Sica, partner at CSMV Advogados, presented the "Joint Declaration of Brazilian Clubs" regarding the regulation of the market in the country. The note, which defends the project approved by the National Congress, was signed by 30 Brazilian football teams.
"I understand that it was an extremely productive hearing. Football knew how to play its role and show its point of view, as it understands that all regulations can be improved, but prohibition is never the way to go. Football managed to show a very strong mobilization force. Through the space granted and the powers granted by Fluminense, we managed to gain the support of 30 Brazilian football clubs and issued a very forceful statement, showing, in general terms, the sector's position," explained André Sica, partner at CSMV Advogados.
Convened by Minister Luiz Fux, rapporteur of the Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 7721, the hearing addresses aspects related to the economy and mental health in the betting sector. The debate occurs due to an action brought by the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC).
According to Fux, the objective of the event is to clarify the impacts of betting on the Brazilian public. For the celebration of the debate, relevant names from national politics, major football clubs, companies in the sector, and lawyers specialized in the field of sports betting were invited.
In response, various Brazilian football clubs came out to support the legislation. Cruzeiro, Fluminense, Botafogo, Palmeiras, Vasco da Gama, São Paulo, Corinthians, Atlético-MG, Internacional, Grêmio, Juventude, Cuiabá, Athletico-PR, Fortaleza, Bahía, Atlético-GO, Criciúma, Red Bull Bragantino, Vitória, América -MG, Ceará, Avaí, Ponte Preta, Guarani-SP, Joinville, Vila Nova-GO, Brusque, Paysandu, Hercílio Luz, and Barra FC are the teams present in the declaration.
"The Law 14.790 enacted in December 2023 may even be subject to improvements, however, it resulted in the fundamental and long-requested regulation of the betting market, bringing rights and obligations attributed to operators who intend to obtain a license, allowing visibility to the State about their operations, establishing rules to protect Brazilian bettors and requiring the creation of mechanisms for education and preservation of sport, protecting clubs and athletes from the complex situations they face due to the misuse of the activity," the clubs explained in the note.
See also: Online gaming and sports betting in Brazil: the Attorney General seeks to declare the unconstitutionality of the laws
Meanwhile, in another excerpt, the clubs explain the economic importance this has represented for the institutions. "Currently, 75 percent of the clubs in the Serie A of the Brazilian Championship, that is, 15 of the 20 teams in the first division, have the master sponsorship of betting houses. This financial flow offers a crucial alternative for clubs to invest in paying debts and signing players, contributing to the competitiveness of Brazilian football both in South America and on the global stage."
Then, the statement adds what, according to the clubs, the repeal of the regulation would mean. According to them, in that scenario, the clubs:
