Brazil’s current gambling controversies—including rising concerns over addiction and advertising regulation—have roots in the inaction of the previous government, according to Senator Soraya Thronicke, rapporteur of the country’s Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on betting.
Missed Opportunity Under Bolsonaro Administration
At a recent CPI meeting, Thronicke squarely blamed the Jair Bolsonaro administration for failing to act on gambling regulation, despite the legal framework being introduced back in December 2018 by then-president Michel Temer.
“From 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2022, who was the president? Jair Messias Bolsonaro,” Thronicke said. “It was during this time that Brazil took first place globally for betting activity. They let it run wild.”
Thronicke contends that the Bolsonaro-era lack of action led to the unchecked growth of offshore operators, putting the country in a regulatory gray zone that now poses major challenges.
Budget Losses and Social Costs
The Senator went on to argue that Brazil is now paying the price for that inaction, particularly in lost state revenue that could have supported critical services:
“The estimate is a loss in revenue of BRL15 billion per year. Imagine what that could have done from 2019 onwards! We are now facing budget cuts in health and education. The omission of the former government cannot be ignored.”
CPI in Crisis: Calls for Extension Amid Controversy
The betting CPI is currently facing internal and external pressures. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre recently declared the commission had “run its course”, calling it a “circus” due to lack of progress. The CPI is slated to end on 14 June.
However, some Senators are pushing back. Senator Izalci Lucas renewed his call for an extension, after multiple key witnesses—including influencer Jon Vlogs—failed to appear.
“There are flights every day to Brazil,” said Thronicke. “In my opinion, it is ill will, an excuse.”
Izalci Lucas added:
“If we truly want to improve the legislation, we need more time.”
The CPI’s Credibility Questioned
The Commission has already been marred by allegations of extortion, reported in December by Veja Magazine. Public trust further eroded when Senator Cleitinho Azevedo posed for a photo with influencer Virgínia Fonseca during her testimony on promoting gambling via social media.
Thronicke criticized both Fonseca’s demeanor and the senator’s behavior, calling for Senator Ciro Nogueira to be replaced as an alternate CPI member. Nogueira reportedly traveled on a private jet owned by a betting businessman who had previously appeared before the commission—raising red flags over potential conflicts of interest.
Ad Restrictions Face Senate Vote
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Sports Committee was scheduled to vote Wednesday on new advertising restrictions, including:
- Betting ads during sports broadcasts allowed only five minutes before and after matches
Sports clubs are alarmed, warning that such a move could slash revenue from gambling sponsorships.
Senator Eduardo Girão went further, reiterating his desire for an outright betting ban, arguing that Brazil’s football sector has become dangerously dependent on gambling money.
Final Thoughts
The fallout from regulatory delay, influencer-led promotions, and deepening political controversy is threatening to derail Brazil’s journey toward a stable, responsible gambling framework. Whether the CPI will be extended—or achieve any meaningful reform—remains to be seen, but the cracks in Brazil’s betting ecosystem are growing harder to ignore.
