During a public hearing, Fux emphasized the relevance of discussing the effects of the law, which range from mental health to economic and social implications.
The minister member of the expressed the need for an immediate adjustment to the Bets Law, highlighting that the judgment on its validity must take place urgently. Although the analysis of the topic is scheduled for the first half of 2025, Fux does not rule out the possibility of a preliminary decision aimed at protecting the population in vulnerable situations. He is responsible for the actions that challenge Law 14.7990/2023, which regulates fixed odds betting in Brazil. During a public hearing, Fux emphasized the relevance of discussing the effects of the law, which range from mental health to economic and social implications. He also mentioned concerns about the use of betting platforms for illicit activities, such as money laundering. The minister highlighted that the STF is not acting in an activist manner, but rather assessing whether the legislation complies with constitutional principles.
The Minister of Human Rights, Macaé Evaristo, raised questions about the impact of gaming on low-income families, in addition to the exposure of children and adolescents to online betting environments. The Union’s attorney general, Jorge Messias, made an analogy, describing betting as a “dragon” that needs to be controlled, stating that the current model does not align with constitutional values. The lawsuits challenging the Bets Law were filed by the National Confederation of Commerce and the Solidariedade party, which express concerns about family debt and the compulsive behavior of bettors. The legislation, sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, covers both virtual and physical betting, establishing taxation guidelines and standards for the exploitation of this service.
Deputy Paulinho da Força defended the creation of a specific regulatory agency for betting, arguing that regulation should not be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance, which, according to him, prioritizes only revenue collection. In response, the Secretary of Prizes and Bets at the Ministry of Finance, Regis Anderson Dudena, defended the Bets Law, stating that adequate regulation is essential to prevent the proliferation of an illegal and unsafe market.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
