Match-Fixing CPI Concludes After Finding Criminal Pattern in Soccer
The Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on match-fixing in Brazil has come to an end this week, with its rapporteur Romário revealing the investigations have uncovered a criminal pattern within the country’s soccer sector.
Romário, whose final report on the CPI’s work was approved on March 19, claimed players on lower salaries were targets for match-fixers.
He suggested three new bills, including increasing the penalty for match-fixing to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years as well as a fine, while also introducing a new crime of “fraud in the betting market.”
The third bill called for a ban on prop bets, such as yellow cards, with Romário noting these were a particular target for manipulation.
Colombian Trade Body Calls for Debate on Gambling
The Colombian Federation of Gambling Entrepreneurs (Fecoljuegos) has called for all betting stakeholders in Colombia to contribute to a debate on the sector.
In an official statement, Fecoljuegos reiterated its commitment to a transparent gambling market in Colombia, after a new 19 percent value-added tax was placed upon online gambling in the country.
Fecoljuegos says over 300,000 Colombian families depend on the gambling sector, also noting the market’s contributions to the nation’s health sector.
“We invite all stakeholders to promote an informed, evidence-based debate that contributes to Colombia’s stability and growth,” Fecoljuegos said.
Solidarity Party Seeks Federal Court Ban on Municipal Lotteries in Brazil
Last week, Brazil’s Solidarity Party submitted a lawsuit to the Federal Supreme Court (STF) requesting the suspension of municipal lotteries nationwide.
Brazil’s Social Democratic Party, Solidariedade, filed a Claim of Non-Compliance with a Fundamental Precept (ADPF), seeking the provisional suspension of municipal lotteries until the STF delivers a final ruling on their constitutionality.
The Solidarity Party argues municipal lotteries are creating a “truly chaotic scenario,” where local authorities are allegedly disregarding federal laws by permitting companies to operate without federal authorization.
The Solidarity Party’s lawsuit follows a long-running court battle at the state level, with the STF recently banning the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery’s nationwide activities.
UNICEF Publishes Guide on Underage Gambling in Argentina
UNICEF Argentina has published a guide focusing on gambling among children in the country, amid concerns over underage betting.
The guide, titled “Zoom in on online betting,” makes a number of recommendations for families and caregivers surrounding underage betting.
The recommendations include monitoring how minors use virtual wallets so that gambling-related spending can be identified, as well as opening a dialogue on how influencers advertise online gambling.
Javier Quesada, UNICEF Health Specialist, says: “Online gambling immediately raises alarm in families because it can lead to financial problems, debt, and even theft. However, it’s necessary to take a step back to examine the impact on psychosocial well-being, relationships, and the overall development of adolescents.”
Eighth Operator Authorized by Court Order in Brazil
YG Gaming has become the eighth company to receive preliminary authorization to operate in Brazil thanks to a court order.
YG Gaming’s 6z, 8pg and 98br brands will all be able to operate in Brazil as normal after obtaining a preliminary injunction from the Federal Court of the Federal District on March 19.
The court ruled YG Gaming wasn’t given the required 15 days to submit additional documents after its authorization request was denied. It decided the company could continue to operate until the final judgment of its appeal against the rejection.
Eight companies are now authorized by court order, including Megapix, BPX Bets Sports Group and Esportes da Sorte owner Esportes Gaming Brasil.
