Senator Soraya Thronicke Addresses Brazil’s Betting Crisis
During a recent meeting of Brazil’s Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) focused on betting, Senator Soraya Thronicke discussed the root causes of the country’s gambling issues, linking them to the stagnation in regulatory efforts during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency.
In December 2018, the prior administration under President Michel Temer initiated legislation aimed at establishing regulations for sports betting in Brazil. However, critics assert that Bolsonaro’s government failed to advance this initiative, contributing to current complications such as increased addiction and escalating family debts.
Thronicke, who serves as the CPI’s rapporteur, highlighted that the unregulated gambling landscape flourished during Bolsonaro’s tenure. "From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, Jair Bolsonaro was in charge, and during that period, Brazil topped the global charts in terms of betting activity," she noted. "It was a scenario without oversight."
She pointed to remarks from former high-ranking officials who acknowledged that while regulatory discussions occurred, no concrete actions were taken. Thronicke has voiced concern that this negligence has led to substantial revenue losses, estimating a shortfall of BRL 15 billion annually due to unregulated betting. "These losses directly impact essential services like health and education, leading to severe budget constraints," she stated.
Debate Over the CPI’s Duration
Recent discussions have emerged regarding the continuation of the CPI. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre decided that the committee had gathered sufficient information to compile a report, prompting criticism from some quarters. Senator Jorge Kajuru characterized the CPI as a "circus," expressing frustration with its apparent lack of progress.
As the June 14 deadline approaches, Senator Izalci Lucas has reiterated the need for an extension, particularly after two betting platform owners failed to comply with summons to testify. One of the absentees, a social media influencer known as “Jon Vlogs,” cited international travel as the reason for his nonappearance, prompting Thronicke to question the sincerity of such justifications.
Lucas emphasized the importance of ensuring that all individuals summoned provide their testimonies, urging colleagues to extend the CPI’s mandate in order to enhance legislative efforts related to betting.
Concerns Over CPI Credibility
Established in November, the CPI has faced scrutiny, particularly after allegations of misconduct surfaced in the media. Public discontent surged when Senator Cleitinho Azevedo was observed requesting a photograph with influencer Virgínia Fonseca during her testimony about her promotion of betting platforms.
Thronicke has been outspoken about her lack of faith in Fonseca’s testimony and has called for the reassignment of Senator Ciro Nogueira due to potential conflicts of interest linked to his associations with the betting industry.
Upcoming Votes on Advertising Regulations
Looking ahead, the Brazilian Sports Committee is set to vote on proposals aimed at tightening advertising restrictions within the betting sector. One of the potential measures would limit betting advertisements during live sports broadcasts to only five minutes before and after matches, evoking concerns among sports clubs regarding the impact on their advertising revenue.
Senator Eduardo Girão has further advocated for a total ban on betting, arguing that the sport’s reliance on gambling sponsorships poses a threat to its integrity and well-being.