The recent enactment of Law 14.790/2023, widely known as Brazil’s Betting Law (Lei das Bets), marks a major milestone for the betting industry in Brazil.
This legislation introduces new guidelines requiring operators to implement Responsible Gaming policies, aiming to create a safe and ethical environment for bettors.
In this article, we will explore how companies can align their practices with Brazilian regulations and the benefits of this approach, with a special focus on Ordinance (Portaria) SPA/MF No. 1.231 of July 31, 2024, which outlines specific obligations related to promoting Responsible Gaming in the country.
What is Responsible Gaming?
The concept of Responsible Gaming refers to practices that ensure betting remains a safe form of entertainment, preventing harm to bettors and society. With the regulatory update introduced by Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1.231 of July 31, 2024, operators now have clearly defined duties to guarantee user protection.
Key points from Ordinance Chapter II – Operator Duties to Ensure Responsible Gaming:
- Diligent structuring of the betting system to uphold Responsible Gaming standards, prevent addiction, and block underage betting.
- Promotion of educational campaigns for the general public and at-risk groups, raising awareness about addiction and gambling-related disorders.
- Systematic communication with bettors, including alerts on risks, prevention, and available treatment alternatives.
- A clear Responsible Gaming policy that accurately reflects the real functionality and operation of the platform.
Regarding mandatory betting system features, operators must:
- Inform bettors about risks at registration and throughout platform use, including theoretical game return rates.
- Provide mechanisms for bettors to set and manage limits (deposits, bets, and playing time), request breaks, and activate temporary or permanent self-exclusion.
- Monitor bettor behavior to identify elevated risk levels, suggest preventive actions, and, when necessary, temporarily suspend platform access.
- Maintain a dedicated Responsible Gaming section with guidance, self-assessment questionnaires, warning signs, protection measures, and information on support and help channels.
- Ensure full transparency with clear data on usage time, financial losses, and account balance.
- Offer online customer support and ombudsman channels, and, in the case of physical betting operations, in-person assistance as well, ensuring easy access to help and information.
Additionally, the ordinance prohibits any practices that interfere with a bettor’s freedom to choose protection mechanisms and sets minimum timeframes for limit changes and reactivation following self-exclusion.
It also imposes strict restrictions to prevent platform registration or use by individuals under 18, as well as persons directly linked to system operations, public regulators, individuals capable of influencing sports results, those diagnosed with gambling addiction (ludopathy), among others.
Finally, the Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Prizes and Betting may promote educational campaigns in partnership with operators, who are required to cooperate and provide support for these initiatives.
The importance of regulatory compliance
With regulation officially coming into force on January 1, 2025, companies must prepare to meet new requirements, such as:
- Compliance with Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD): ensuring the security and protection of bettors’ personal data;
- Risk classification: conducting bettor risk profiling and reporting suspicious transactions to the Financial Activities Control Council (COAF);
- Suspension of at-risk bettors: implementing clear policies to suspend access for bettors identified as vulnerable to addiction.
The benefits of Responsible Gaming policies
Effectively implementing Responsible Gaming policies not only ensures legal compliance but also generates strategic advantages, including:
- Increased consumer trust: bettors are more likely to trust platforms that demonstrate a strong commitment to responsible practices;
- Market sustainability: a safer and ethical betting environment strengthens the sector, attracting more users and increasing tax revenues;
- Reputation protection: companies that invest in Responsible Gaming can mitigate the risk of severe penalties, fines, and reputational damage, ensuring long-term market presence.
Implementing effective Responsible Gaming policies is crucial for operators to succeed in Brazil.
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, these practices create a safer environment for bettors and reinforce industry integrity.
If your company is looking to adapt to new regulatory standards or improve its current practices, talk to Control F5.
Control F5 offers Responsible Gaming services that connect businesses with the best partners in the industry. Whether for new ventures or performance upgrades, the company supports brands in launching, strengthening, and expanding in Brazil, with services including legal and accounting support, CRM software, platforms, providers, Business Intelligence (BI), payment methods, and more. Learn more about how to drive business growth with Control F5.
