Brazil is setting a new standard in responsible gambling with its latest regulatory update. By the end of 2025, gamblers across the nation will have access to a centralised self-exclusion system, a move strongly advocated by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). Normative Ordinance No 2,579 and Normative Instruction No 31, recently unveiled, are not merely bureaucratic updates; they are the groundwork for a significant shift in how gambling activities are managed and monitored in Brazil.
The ordained system will allow individuals to exercise greater control over their gambling habits. By choosing to block their access to betting platforms for either a fixed term or indefinitely, bettors can take a proactive step toward managing their gambling activities responsibly. Perhaps more importantly, the system covers all federally licensed betting platforms, creating a blanket of protection that could serve as a model for other nations striving to balance the economic benefits of gambling with the ethical imperative to protect gamblers.
Alongside self-exclusion, the SPA is mandating operators to introduce compulsory limits on the amount of time and money players can spend. Every new registration will now require setting these limits right from the start, embedding a culture of responsible betting from the moment a player enters the platform. This approach not only supports gamblers who might be at risk but also places a portion of the responsibility for preventing gambling-related harm squarely on the shoulders of the operators.
From a compliance perspective, this represents a significant operational overhaul for betting companies. Within just 30 days of the new measure's announcement, operators are required to integrate their systems with the centralised self-exclusion database. Moreover, they must verify the status of any user through Brazil's Sigap management system using individual taxpayer registration (CPF) numbers at multiple touchpoints during the user's interaction with the platform.
Regis Dudena, the SPA chief, emphasized that this move "puts Brazil in a leading position in the world in caring for our population." Such initiatives highlight a growing trend where national regulators are not just reacting to issues but are proactively setting up frameworks that prevent harmful practices. For operators, the transition might be cumbersome and potentially costly in the short term, but the long-term benefits of fostering a safer gaming environment could outweigh these initial investments.
Brazil's approach could also serve as a benchmark for other countries and even for different sectors within the fintech and regulatory environments. Companies involved in high-risk industries, such as iGaming, could benefit from understanding these regulatory shifts, adapting their operations ahead of possible similar regulations in other jurisdictions. For instance, gambling platforms can look into solutions like crypto payments that offer transparency and traceability, potentially easing some regulatory burdens.
Ultimately, Brazil's move to implement a nationwide self-exclusion system by 2025 is a commendable step toward promoting responsible gambling. It's a proactive measure that will likely set a standard for others to follow, highlighting the importance of regulatory foresight in an era where digital platforms can both connect and control the way we interact with high-stake environments.
