In a Monday (16 September) open letter from the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), betting operators in Brazil have hit back at claims gamblers are irresponsibly funding their habits.
The betting trade body is seeking to refute recent claims that bettors are sacrificing spending on necessary purchases like clothes, food and medication to fund their gambling habits.
The letter addresses a controversial study by the Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption (SBVC) which claims 23% of those dedicating part of their salary to gambling each month had stopped purchasing clothes, while 19% had stopped shopping in supermarkets and 11% reduced their spend on healthcare and medication.
Overall it said 63% of Brazilians who gambled online said their salary was “compromised by gambling”. The July-dated study had a sample size of 1,337, although only 508 of those had gambled before.
The survey has had a seemingly vast reach in the country and resulted in national media criticising the betting sector.
The ANJL, which represents leading local companies such as Betnacional and Aposta Ganha, hit back at the survey, highlighting data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) showing household consumption expenditure in the country had increased 1.3% in Q2 from the previous quarter. Year-on-year it increased 4.9%.
Household consumption is defined by the OECD as “all purchases made by resident households to meet their everyday needs, including food, clothing, rents, energy, transport, health, leisure and on miscellaneous services”.
“Claims that the betting industry is responsible for a supposed reduction in consumption by Brazilians or an increase in the level of debt are unfounded,” the ANJL said.
But, it added, the sector “did not turn a blind eye” on the few cases of gambling addiction that had been reported.
“To demonstrate their commitment [to player protection], operators are organising awareness and education campaigns for bettors, reiterating the message that online gaming and sports betting should be considered forms of entertainment and not a source of income.”
ANJL reiterates commitment to safer gambling
Another point of criticism against the gambling sector in Brazil has been fears over black market growth as long regulatory delays have resulted in a proliferation of unlicensed sites.
The ANJL is confident the regulated market, launching in January 2025, will provide a safe environment for players. It acknowledges that regulatory delays have resulted in an increase of “adventurous bookmakers with no commitment to integrity and responsibility”.
“With the entry into force of the regulated market, Brazil will have a safe environment for betting, with clear rules and punitive measures for those who disrespect the main focus of operations: the consumer,” the ANJL explained.
The ANJL hit back at those it believes are unfairly criticising the gambling sector, believing this only serves to encourage black market operators.
“Working against regulation is the same as supporting the permanence of illegal sites in the country, without the slightest concern for the good rules of the regulated market,” the ANJL added.
“It means empowering those against whom the government fights, serious companies fight and society must fight.”
