In the "Opinion Expression" section of Correio Braziliense, André Gelfi, president of the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), explains that the associated companies use artificial intelligence to identify and block suspicious operations. 'Integrity and protection of vulnerable groups are non-negotiable premises for us, and we actively work in the identification of frauds and in the prohibition of advertising aimed at minors," states the executive.
According to the IBJR, any game should be seen as entertainment and needs to be clean and have protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable groups in society, such as minors.
"The integrity of the game and protection of vulnerable groups are non-negotiable premises for us. The biggest bets in Brazil, in line with what is already practiced in other countries, actively work in the identification of possible frauds and in the prohibition of advertising aimed at minors. We defend and work for clean gaming and healthy entertainment," affirms André Gelfi, president of the IBJR.
Minors cannot gamble
Law 14.790/2023, which sets the rules for online betting in Brazil, explicitly prohibits games by minors under 18 years old. This restriction also complies with the Statute of Children and Adolescents and was reinforced in the regulatory ordinances. To enhance the protection of this group, the bets associated with the IBJR will require, from January 2025, facial recognition for bets on online platforms.
The measure meets the new demands of the Ministry of Finance and aims to curb fraud and bets practiced by minors. The technology is unprecedented in the global betting market and is similar to that already adopted by banking institutions.
At certain moments in the betting process, the authenticity of the user and also of the registered information will be verified. If there is any inconsistency in the information, the user will automatically be blocked.
The initiative adds to others already adopted by the associates of the Institute. Among them, educational messages and an Advertising Code that brings clear guidelines prohibiting campaigns directed at minors under 18 years old.
The step-by-step of combating fraud
The technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, is the main ally of the bets also in combating result frauds. Recent cases involving suspicions against professional soccer players are proof of how effective the monitoring system of the platforms is in combating manipulation of results. The alerts issued by the bets enabled investigations that, in many cases, resulted in punishments for the athletes and others involved in schemes.
Financial and gaming movements are monitored, and incongruities trigger alert signals for a more in-depth analysis to be carried out. In addition to financial movements, inconsistencies in registered data, volumes and forms of payment, location of bets, types of devices, player habits, and their financial capacity are constantly evaluated.
All daily bets undergo scans through artificial intelligence, which point out movements that may configure some type of manipulation. Examples include the concentration of bets in a specific situation of a single match, people making bets out of the standard and simultaneously on various platforms, and also the sudden creation of profiles that make large movements.
In these cases, the procedure is to alert for further investigations and activation of authorities and sports entities. “Institutions dedicated to supervision in favor of sports integrity are fundamental in this process. Therefore, the associates of the IBJR are members of the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the main global entity that acts for the integrity of bets and protection of sports integrity,” explains Gelfi.
The action of integrity organizations occurs with the identification of suspicious cases by the operators, who inform and share data with these organizations. The second step is a detailed investigation and data analysis. When there are indeed strong indications of fraud, the case is reported to the sports authority responsible for the modality, and it activates the competent bodies.
Regulation is a decisive step
The regulation of bets in Brazil, which comes into effect on January 1, 2025, is decisive for combating manipulation of results. The rules determine that the Bets be part or associate with national or international organizations for monitoring sports integrity, such as the IBIA.
An important move in this direction was made at the end of October, when the Ministry of Finance established a partnership with international integrity organizations. Thus, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets will have new fronts for monitoring and intelligence in identifying suspicious movements.
“The transparency in operations is a claim of the IBJR and that translates into innovative solutions focused on the safety of bettors. We continue in tune with the effort of regulation by the Federal Government and reaffirm our commitment to healthy and legal gaming. In this context, monitoring and curbing illegal gaming is also necessary for the protection of bettors and minors,” concludes André Gelfi.
Source: Correio Braziliense
