Brazil Finance Minister Pushes for Stricter Betting Regulation and Higher Taxes

Brazil Finance Minister Dario Durigan announced plans to increase taxation and tighten advertising rules for betting operators. The measures were outlined during a recent interview with UOL News and aim to formalize the sector while limiting unregulated growth.

Regulatory Framework and Market Oversight

Durigan compared the proposed framework to tobacco control, stating that betting requires similar oversight due to its impact on public health and household finances. He warned that an outright prohibition would likely shift activity to the illicit market. Instead, the administration intends to enforce compliance with domestic standards, noting that previous governments granted betting firms disproportionate economic influence.

Fiscal Policy and Data Transparency

The minister clarified that the new rules focus on sector oversight rather than revenue generation. Betting operators are expected to contribute to the national economy while adhering to Brazilian regulations. Regarding data transparency, Durigan explained that a recent Freedom of Information Act request was declined because it involved personal information. He proposed processing cases in batches with support from the Comptroller General of the Union to ensure proactive data disclosure.