Brazil Senate’s Approval of Ad Restrictions Sparks Backlash
The Brazilian Senate has approved a number of new measures to restrict gambling advertising, sparking industry concern over how the changes could benefit the black market.
On May 28, the Sports Commission approved measures to ban celebrity endorsements, introduce advertising curfews and restrict sports sponsorships.
The Senate then also voted to approve the measures, with the bill now set to go to the Chamber of Deputies. If it’s also approved there, the measures are expected to take effect in 2026.
In response, the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming outlined it was deeply concerned by the developments, stating on social media: “The proposal weakens communication between legalized betting companies and bettors, compromising the sustainability of a regulated sector committed to responsible gaming.”
Chile Land-Based Casinos Report Revenue Drop in Q1
The Superintendency of Gaming Casinos in Chile has reported a 3.7 percent year-on-year decline in Q1 gross revenue from land-based casinos.
Chile’s 25 licensed casinos generated CLP145.19 billion ($154.3 million) in Q1, marking a 1 percent nominal increase, but a 3.7 percent real-term decline when adjusted for inflation against Q1 2024.
Tax contributions from land-based casinos in Q1 also dropped 3.4 percent in real terms to CLP51.96 billion.
Cecilia Valdés, president of the Chilean Association of Casinos and Gaming, told iGB land-based casinos still play a pivotal role in Chile, describing them as a “key driver” for local economies.
Esportes Gaming Brasil Recruits Baungartner to Drive Growth in Brazil
Esportes Gaming Brasil, parent company of Esportes da Sorte and Onabet, has appointed Hugo Baungartner as chief business officer and executive director for institutional relations and strategic partnerships.
Baungartner’s new role will involve working on high-priority regulatory and institutional matters, including representing the group when meeting with industry stakeholders such as the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets and Central Bank of Brazil.
In an exclusive interview with iGB, Baungartner said he was attracted to Esportes Gaming Brasil by its strategic positioning and commitment to regulatory compliance.
“Brazil’s current market environment demands prepared and responsible players and Esportes Gaming Brasil is one of the leading names shaping this new landscape,” Baungartner told iGB. “The group is clearly in a phase of consolidation and expansion.”
Colombian Regulator Proposes Ibero-American Betting Commission
Marco Emilio Hincapié, president of the Colombian gambling regulator Coljuegos, has proposed the creation of an Ibero-American commission on betting.
Speaking at the Ibero-American Gaming Summit in Peru, Hincapié invited regulators from 10 countries to create an international commission, with the aim of bringing together regulatory bodies.
The commission would aim to unify regulatory criteria, promote responsible gambling and combat illegality, as well as sharing experiences with countries beginning their regulatory processes.
Hincapié said: “We have proposed creating the Ibero-American Commission of Regulators, with the goal of joining forces and making joint decisions that will allow us to strengthen the legal industry and share experiences in regulatory matters.”
CPI Chief Links Sector’s Problems to Bolsonaro Administration
Senator Soraya Thronicke, rapporteur of the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission on betting in Brazil, contends the country’s current gambling issues stem from inaction during Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.
In December 2018, outgoing President Michel Temer signed legislation which gave way to sports betting regulations in Brazil, but during Bolsonaro’s time in charge, little progress was made.
Thronicke believes current issues with Brazilian gambling, including fears over addiction levels and debt, can be attributed to the lack of action made by Bolsonaro’s government to properly regulate gambling.
“From Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2022, who was the president? Jair Messias Bolsonaro,” Thronicke said. “And it was at that time that Brazil took first place in the world ranking for the number of bets, the number of bettors. So they let it run wild.”
