Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has published the requirements for operators to enter the online gaming market, which includes sports betting. Operators must indicate interest by the end of November. There is no limit to the number of licensees.
SBC News reported that the Ministry published Ordinance No. 1330 October 27, which stated that all operators must declare their interest in entering the market within 30 days and establish “specific service centers” for customers that are open 24/7. The ordinance also outlined the process for applying for a license.
In September the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill and sent it to the Senate, which still needs to vote on it for it to become permanent. The bill would tax gambling revenue at 18 percent. License fees will be R$30 million (£4.89 million/€5.69 million/$6.10 million).
According to SBC, the ordinance bans granting licenses to companies with shareholders, directors and corporate members who are professional athletes or have connections to national sports teams, or to foreign companies that do not have a subsidiary in Brazil.
They must also adhere to integrity and ethical standards and report any irregular or suspicious transactions to the Financial Activities Control Council (COAF). Operators must also take measures to fight gambling addiction and to discourage customers from going into debt. They are also prohibited from using third-party payment methods for transactions.
Access to gambling platforms is prohibited for minors—and advertisements must make that clear— and operators must provide tools for setting playtime limits, loss limits, break periods and for self-exclusion.
The ordinance also requires that ads and marketing be socially responsible, not deceptive and to promote responsible wagering. Licensees will also be required to adopt policies to prevent match-fixing, money-laundering and terrorism financing.
