Ana Gatti, a lawyer specializing in gaming law and the administrative director of the Brazilian Institute of Diversity (IBD), discusses the advancements brought by Law 14.790/23 and the regulatory ordinances for the iGaming sector in an opinion column for Folha. She explores how regulation can boost the economy, create jobs, and foster a safe and innovative environment, as well as position Brazil as a potential leader in the global market.
The world of online gaming is no longer a thing of the future. With the new law, Brazil dives headfirst into this billion-dollar market full of opportunities.
The iGaming sector, named for games that occur in the digital environment, has finally been regulated, opening a chapter in the country's economic history. Law 14.790/23, enacted at the end of last year, was just the first step towards the full development of online betting in Brazil.
Throughout 2024, the federal government, through the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, published a series of ordinances detailing the rules for the sector's operation starting January 1, 2025.
They address crucial issues such as prevention of money laundering, combating result manipulation, player protection, adoption of responsible gaming, creating a safe and transparent environment for the development of the online betting market.
Despite the need for improvements, we are facing a significant advancement, and Brazil is entering the path of a promising future.
States and municipalities are also mobilizing to ensure the legality of operations in their territories, seeking a healthy environment for the sector, and the Brazilian consumer is the biggest winner.
More than a moral issue, it is an opportunity to boost the economy and generate new opportunities. It's time to look beyond casinos and lotteries, and understand iGaming as a complex and multifaceted industry, with the potential to positively impact various sectors of society.
Thus, the doors open to another job market, with the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs boosting the economy, with benefits that extend throughout the production chain.
This legislation allows state oversight and the creation of prevention, support, and treatment programs for people with compulsive gambling issues.
The adoption of clear rules for advertising and the mandatory use of technological alert and blocking mechanisms in the uncontrolled use of betting platforms ensures protection for consumers that only a regulated environment provides.
Therefore, regulation offers legal security, encourages investment, and fosters an ecosystem of innovation with companies, startups, and research centers dedicated to technological advancement in iGaming, so that the country can become a hub for game development and export, conquering the global market.
Some argue that Brazil is one of the last countries in the world to regulate the gaming sector, but even in this, it is possible to see advantages, as we can avoid the mistakes made by other countries and also learn from successful examples. As a successful example, we can mention the United Kingdom, which is constantly evolving with its rules.
We can also seek inspiration in rigorous and comprehensive legislations, such as those applied in Italy and Spain, which have also advanced their laws to regulate both online bets and traditional bets in the physical world.
With a fair and modern outlook, we find an excellent opportunity to not just rely on luck to build the country. Brazil has all the cards to be a leader in the global online gaming market.
Ana Gatti
Lawyer, specialist in gaming law, and administrative director of the IBD (Brazilian Institute of Diversity); was the operations director of Abrabincs (Brazilian Association of Bingos Casinos and Similar)
