Brazil Official Seeks Tougher Betting Regulations

Brazil's Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dario Durigan, has called for stricter oversight of the country's betting industry, suggesting that sports betting should be regulated in a similar way to tobacco products.

Speaking during an event organised by XP Investimentos in São Paulo on July 24, Durigan said the government intends to strengthen supervision of licensed betting operators while discouraging excessive gambling. He stated that operators should continue paying licensing fees and be required to report every wager to government authorities.

According to Durigan, access to betting data would allow public authorities to identify frequent gamblers and develop public health initiatives aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.

Stronger Oversight for the Betting Industry

During his speech, Durigan said betting should receive the same regulatory treatment as cigarettes through tighter controls.

He argued that licensed operators must remain subject to licensing fees and mandatory reporting of betting activity. He added that this information could help authorities work with the Ministry of Health to identify habitual bettors and create programmes designed to support those experiencing gambling-related problems.

The official also defended the government's recent decision to increase taxes on betting operators. He explained that the higher tax burden serves both fiscal objectives and public policy by discouraging an activity that can negatively affect people's lives.

His comments reflect Brazil's broader efforts to strengthen its regulated betting market while reinforcing responsible gambling measures.

Consumer Protection Measures Remain a Priority

Durigan also highlighted existing restrictions that prevent certain financially vulnerable groups from using licensed betting platforms.

He noted that individuals receiving Bolsa Família benefits, participants in the Desenrola debt restructuring programme and recipients of the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) are already prohibited from accessing regulated betting services.

In addition, he said the government is working to introduce tighter controls on gambling advertising as part of its wider consumer protection strategy.

Fiscal Targets Remain in Focus

Beyond gambling regulation, Durigan discussed Brazil's broader fiscal plans, which aim to restore fiscal balance and stabilise public debt between 2029 and 2030.

He said the Treasury expects to achieve a primary surplus equal to 0.5% of GDP next year and indicated that stronger oil prices or reductions in certain government subsidies could further improve the country's fiscal position.

Durigan added that reaching these targets will require continued fiscal discipline, controlled public spending and adjustments to fiscal rules, while acknowledging that international factors such as US interest rates, geopolitical developments and global trade conditions could still influence the outlook.