During a panel discussion on the "Future of Betting in Brazil," Carlos Renato Xavier reflected on the first year of regulated betting in the country. He characterized this period as a clear success. "Regulating the betting sector in Brazil is already proving to be a successful solution when compared to the long period without rules," noted the undersecretary. He emphasized that a regulated environment, marked by ongoing state involvement and the SPA’s commitment to consumer protection, preserves public interest and industry health, reducing conflicts and preventing issues from escalating due to lack of oversight.
Since the regulation's initiation in 2024, Xavier mentioned that the undersecretariat has been active in granting authorizations and formulating regulations for the sector. "It was a period of intense learning, including for our team, which sought technical improvement and knowledge through dialogue with operators, providers, and other market stakeholders," he stated.
The SPA is looking to implement the best international practices to establish the regulatory framework in Brazil. Xavier considers the regulation of betting in the country a success.
He explained that the time taken to solidify this regulatory framework provided an advantage, allowing Brazil to learn from issues in other international markets and integrate safeguards into its system. Last week exemplified the scale of this effort, where he noted participation in a congressional debate attended by multiple government entities, including the ministry of health, Conar, and the consumer defense secretariat. "The meeting was more than just a debate; it was a forum where the government and society presented their views on the market and associated issues, making it clear that monitoring is not limited to the SPA. There is coordinated and vigilant action by various agencies. This reinforces the need for close monitoring to ensure a healthy, enduring, and fraud-free market," he stated.
Xavier identified governmental action against the illicit market as a key challenge for the sector. He mentioned the publication of two important regulations aimed at combating illegality last week. Moreover, he pointed to a significant shift in institutional discourse, with alignment among the presidency, the ministry of finance, and the ministry of justice focusing efforts appropriately. He reaffirmed, "This is not a step backward in the regulatory process; rather, it is an intensification of the fight against illegal operators who act outside the rules and increase risks to consumers, the economy, and the sector's integrity."
The government remains firm in its belief that regulation, together with effective oversight and inter-agency collaboration, is crucial in establishing a responsible, transparent, and sustainable betting market in Brazil.
