Luiz Fux, a member of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF), has called for a public hearing on 3 November at 10:00 AM to examine issues related to betting regulations. This session will take place in the STF's 2nd Chamber. The hearing was initiated at the request of the Attorney General's Office (AGU) and the co-authors of Direct Action of Unconstitutionality (ADI) 8.027, along with other entities participating as amici curiae.
The agenda also includes Provisional Measure 1,394, which was enacted by President Lula just a month prior. This measure prohibits the exploitation, offering, intermediation, and advertising of betting in Brazil. Minister Fux previously indicated his intent to avoid actions that might be seen as influencing the political process during the elections.
He emphasized the urgency of the hearing in light of the time constraints set by the provisional measure and the significant economic repercussions it could have on Brazilian football and broader sectors, particularly regarding legal certainty.
Earlier this year, the STF held a public hearing to address the implications of gambling, focusing on issues such as gambling addiction. Insights from this hearing contributed to its decisions regarding games of chance, highlighting the adverse effects associated with betting.
The provisional measure has faced challenges in the STF from various industry stakeholders, media organizations, and football clubs. The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) and the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) contested the measure, claiming it violates constitutional provisions. In turn, the AGU has defended the measure, advocating for its continuation and the necessity of this public hearing.
Fux is the rapporteur for several other cases that predate the Provisional Measure concerning betting regulation. Consequently, he has decided that the upcoming hearing will also include discussions on ADIs 7.721, 7.723, 7.749, 8.024, 8.028, and 8.035, ensuring the hearing's scope transcends just the provisional measure and aids the STF in various ongoing deliberations about the betting market.
The public hearing will involve a range of participants, including:
1. National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC)
2. Attorney General of the Republic
3. National Association for the Legal Security of Games and Betting (ANSEJA)
4. National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL)
5. Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR)
6. National Association of Mayors and Deputy Mayors of Brazil (ANPV)
7. Abracopel – Brazilian Association of Concessionaires and Licensees of State Lotteries
8. Attorney General of the Union
9. Ministry of Finance
10. Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (Abert)
11. Brazilian Association of Criminal Lawyers (ABRACRIM)
12. Economic Regulation Laboratory of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ Reg)
13. National Confederation of Industry (CNI)
14. Brazilian Association for Economic Freedom (ABLE)
15. International Gaming Association (AIGAMING)
16. Flamengo Rowing Club
17. Fluminense Football Club
18. Botafogo Football Corporation – In Judicial Reorganization (SAF Botafogo)
19. Cruzeiro Esporte Clube – Sociedade Anônima do Futebol
20. São Paulo Football Club
21. Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
22. Ponte Preta Athletic Association
23. Esporte Clube Vitória
24. Guarani Futebol Clube – In Judicial Reorganisation
25. Portuguesa Sociedade Anônima de Futebol
26. Brazilian Football Confederation.
This wide-ranging participation reflects the varied interests in the outcomes of Brazil's betting regulations, underscoring the hearing's significance in shaping future policies.
