Brazil Finance Minister Dario Durigan announced plans to increase taxation and tighten advertising restrictions for betting operators. The proposal follows a recent interview with UOL News, where the minister outlined a regulatory framework aimed at controlling sector expansion.
Regulatory Framework and Tax Policy
Durigan compared the proposed measures to tobacco controls, stating that authorities must "treat bets the same way we treat cigarettes" to protect public health and household finances. He emphasized that operators must comply with domestic regulations rather than operating under previous administrative leniency. The minister clarified that the policy focuses on sector oversight rather than revenue generation, noting that companies should contribute to the national economy through standard tax obligations.The administration intends to enforce strict compliance to limit the growth of unlicensed betting operations. Durigan rejected concerns about regulatory secrecy, explaining that a recent Freedom of Information Act request was declined to protect individual user data. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Comptroller General of the Union to release aggregated sector data proactively.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva previously proposed a complete prohibition on sports betting. Durigan indicated that a total ban could drive activity underground, making targeted regulation a preferred alternative.