The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has been established by global leaders in sports betting to help the country’s ongoing development and discussion.
“Collaborate with All Sectors of Society”
The new body, which is focused on responsible gaming, was established ahead of the regulation of Brazil’s sports betting market. A new regulatory framework is expected to be introduced by the Federal Government based on law 13.756/18.
Andre Gelfi was elected president of IBJR. He described the new body’s mission to “collaborate with all sectors in society that want more information about the industry and understand the ways it can be harmoniously integrated into Brazil’s economy, as it has been in other countries.”
We aim to create a stable regulatory environment for customers, while also financing the public sector and creating a sustainable operating climate for businesses.
Andre Gelfi is president of IBJR
Gelfi noted then that IBJR members had seen both successful and unsuccessful regulatory regimes, and have enough expertise in this field to assist the government in defining the rules for the national marketplace.
The newly established IBJR includes representation from more than 100 operators, including Bet365, Flutter Entertainment and Betsson Group.
Sensitive aspects require responsible treatment
Gelfi spoke about markets that have been regulated successfully and said that sports betting is “a source of entertainment that helps maintain the integrity [of] sport.” He also stated that the sensitive aspects of the sector, such as compulsive gaming and money laundering, should be dealt with “in a forceful and logical manner.”
While Brazil’s size is a problem for regulation, IBJR does not consider it a limitation and is keen to make a contribution to technical aspects of regulation. This is based on its global experience.
Gelfi stated, “No other country has enjoyed such favorable conditions for the construction and implementation of a successful regulation that could be an example to the world.” He urged the government to take “aspects from countries that have succeeded in regulating and adapt them to local realities,” certain that clear and rigorous compliance rules will help the local market to thrive.
Rafael Marcondes is the IBJR’s legal director. He commented on regulation and compared Brazil to the US, which legalized sports betting in 2018. Marcondes stated that Brazil is far behind the US in terms of regulation. “Regulation has been occurring quickly… and bringing about positive results…. Brazil has fallen behind, which has allowed the proliferation of companies not committed to responsible gambling, which has jeopardized the market’s credibility without providing minimum guarantees for consumers.”
