The ban on gambling for indebted individuals continues to face a deadlock.
Last month, the approved bill on the regulation of sports betting introduced a modification in relation to the existing provisional measure on the subject: the removal of delinquents from the list of individuals prohibited from placing bets. This legislative initiative aims to refine the current framework by excluding individuals with outstanding debts from the restricted pool of bettors. By implementing this change, the legislation strives to promote a fair and transparent gambling environment, where responsible and financially reliable participants are encouraged to engage in sports betting activities.
The Senate will now review the approved text, which may undergo modifications proposed by the senators.
Senators had until last Wednesday (4) to submit amendments to the bill. Among the 49 proposed amendments, one includes once again prohibiting people with debts from gambling.
The proposed text by Senator George Fury introduces penalties for BETTING SITES that fail to comply. These penalties aim to ensure that BETTING SITES adhere to the regulations in place. By imposing fines on those who do not follow the rules, the legislation aims to promote responsible gambling practices and protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms associated with excessive gambling. The proposed fines will serve as a deterrent, sending a clear message to BETTING SITES that they must operate within the boundaries of the law. This will contribute to a safer and more regulated gambling environment, prioritizing the well-being of individuals engaging in betting activities.
If the senators approve the change, the text will go back to the Chamber, where the deputies can choose to accept the amendment or keep the text as it was originally approved. Only then will the regulation of gambling pass to presidential sanction.
Prohibition of Indebted Gamblers
The Timerary measure number 1.182/23, which was approved in July of this year and will be in effect until November 21st of this year after extension, prohibited individuals registered in national credit protection databases from participating as bettors.
Comprehend: The law project, which was voted on in the Chamber, included a significant portion of the provisional measure, yet omitted the clause regarding delinquent individuals.
Senator George Fury's proposal aims to establish a new article in the legislation, prohibiting the involvement of delinquent players in sports betting. Her intention is to formalize regulations that would prevent individuals with outstanding debts from participating in gambling activities. By implementing these measures, she hopes to ensure fair play and protect the integrity of the sports betting industry. This initiative aligns with her ongoing efforts to promote responsible gambling practices and safeguard the interests of both players and operators. By addressing this issue proactively, Senator Thronicke aims to create a safer and more transparent environment for all stakeholders involved in the sports betting sector.
The amendment underlines that within a period of 90 days, the Executive Power shall determine the actions the operating agent must implement in order to prevent non-compliance with the prohibition. The measures to be taken should be carefully considered to ensure adherence and compliance, thereby effectively avoiding any violation. It is crucial for the operating agent to swiftly adapt and implement the necessary steps in line with the prohibited activities. The Executive Power holds the responsibility of providing clear guidelines and directives to prevent any potential breaches and maintain the integrity of the established prohibition.
Companies and platforms in the gaming and sports betting industry must also put in place measures to verify players' financial status, ensuring compliance with this law," she states.
The provision sets forth penalties for non-compliance with the law, encompassing fines proportionate to the revenues derived from the involvement of individuals in an irregular situation within sports betting and gambling, Timerary or permanent suspension of the establishment's operating license, and other sanctions.
Gambling addiction
The reasoning behind the prohibition of gambling for defaulters revolves around financial accountability and the potential for gambling addiction, a condition commonly referred to as ludopathy. The financial responsibility aspect emphasizes the need to prevent individuals with outstanding debts from further exacerbating their financial situations through gambling activities. Alongside this, the focus is also on safeguarding individuals from the potential addictive nature of gambling, recognizing the detrimental effects it can have on one's mental health and overall well-being. By prohibiting defaulters from engaging in gambling, authorities aim to protect vulnerable individuals and promote responsible financial behavior.
"The senator highlights in the amendment that gaming, including sports betting, can become addictive and lead to severe financial indebtedness for individuals, especially those already in an unfavorable financial situation. This may prompt them to allocate a portion or the entirety of their income towards gambling, neglecting their existing debts and further compromising their basic necessities such as food, electricity, water, and more."
Among the proposed amendments by senators, there are also those that address the issue of gambling addiction, such as amendment number 26, put forward by Senator Mecias de Jesus.
The text mentions "person diagnosed with gambling addiction, according to a medical report" in the gambling restrictions.
Who Cannot Place Bets?
Under the current wording of the bill passed in the Chamber, the following individuals are prohibited from participating as bettors:
- below 18 (eighteen) years of age;
- proprietor, administrator, director, person with significant influence, manager, or employee of the operating agent.
- A public agent with responsibilities directly related to the regulation, control, and supervision of activities within the federal entity in which they exercise their competencies.
- An individual who has or may have access to computerized fixed odds betting lottery systems.
- individual who has or may have any influence on the outcome of an actual sports-themed lottery betting event subject to fixed odds.
- other individuals specified in the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.
