Brazil Implements Advertising Restrictions on Betting to Protect Minors
The SPA in Brazil has issued a new ordinance implementing immediate advertising measures, with the legal market launch on Jan. 1, 2025 now just weeks away.
Normative Ordinance No. 1,902, published on Dec. 6, enforces restrictions initially outlined in July by Normative Ordinance No. 1,231, regulating how betting operators can advertise in Brazil.
Ads that have children or adolescents as a target audience are now banned, as well as ads that use images of children or elements that are “particularly appealing” to minors.
Additionally, all ads must now feature an ‘18+’ symbol or a message reading “prohibited for people under 18.”
Colombian Authorities Seize 1,000 Illegal Gambling Items
A joint operation between the Colombia Attorney General’s Office, the National Army’s Gaula and Coljuegos has seized 1,000 items used to operate illegal betting in the municipalities of Atlántico and Valledupar.
Authorities estimate the seized items are valued at COP200 million ($45,958), with the state missing out on close to COP17 billion annually in exploitation rights from the illegal gambling that was operated by the items.
Seven people were arrested as part of the operation, with Coljuegos president Marco Emilio Hincapié saying: “We have dealt a decisive blow to illegals. In the last week alone we carried out control actions in five departments, something never before seen in this state.”
Anatel Partners with SPA to Enhance Blocking of Illegal Websites in Brazil
The SPA has signed a cooperation agreement with Anatel to improve the blocking of illegal betting platforms in Brazil.
On Dec. 9, Anatel announced its Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) with the SPA, emphasizing its goal to create a “fast and direct flow of information” while reducing costs and enhancing oversight.
Anatel has been tasked with taking down illegal betting sites in Brazil, with the agency already blocking over 5,000 domains which were identified by the SPA.
However, Anatel president Carlos Baigorri previously compared the agency’s attempts at blocking sites to “mopping up ice”, calling for increased powers to help carry out its activities more effectively.
Chile Starts Process of Granting New Casino License
The Superintendency of Gaming Casinos (SCJ), the regulator of gambling in Chile, has initiated a process to grant a new nationwide casino operating license.
The license will become available as a result of the expiration of the permit for the company Rantrur SA in May 2027.
Companies interested in applying for the casino license will have 90 business days until a hearing on April 14, 2025, with a 10-business day period ongoing for consultations and clarifications.
Applicants can submit projects in any municipality, though each region can only have between one and three casinos.
Brazil Forms Interministerial Task Force to Address Problem Gambling
In response to rising concerns about problem gambling, Brazil’s federal government has created an interministerial working group to propose measures for prevention, support, and awareness ahead of the legal market launch.
The group will include representatives from the ministries of sport, finance, health and the communication secretariat. It will have 60 days to propose measures to counter problem gambling, with meetings held every two weeks.
The release announcing the group’s creation said: “The focus is on developing strategies to prevent, mitigate harm and offer support to individuals and communities affected by compulsive gambling practices or in vulnerable situations, considering the context of fixed-odds betting.”
Federal Regional Court Denies Attorney General’s Office Appeal
The sixth panel of the Federal Regional Court of the First Region (TRF1) has denied an appeal from the Attorney General’s Office (AGU), with operators licensed by the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (Loterj) allowed to continue operations without federal approval.
According to BNL Data, the suspended ordinances mean Loterj can continue to regulate gambling in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with operators not needing to gain federal authorisation from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA).
The ruling upholds Loterj’s state notice, which guarantees it the right to operate, explore and regulate betting in Rio de Janeiro.
