The Senate of Brazil has received its first update from rapporteurs who will evaluate the economic and integrity threats posed by Brazil’s new federal regime for online gambling.
Commonly referred to as ‘Bets’, on 1 January, Brazil launched its federal online gambling marketplace. The Ministry of Finance has granted licence authorisations to 70 businesses, with 14 licences approved to operate brands from 1 January, while others await regulatory approval.
Accompanying developments saw relevant authorities receive the first update from rapporteurs leading Commission of Inquiry (CPI) investigations aimed at reviewing the laws, standards, and protections of the Bets regime.
Led by Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), the ‘CPI of Bets’ will commence its assessment of the economic risks associated with online gambling starting on 30 April. Partnered with Senator Dr Hiran Goncalves (PP-RR), Thronicke is tasked with spearheading a critical investigation into the vulnerabilities of online gambling to financial risks and related liabilities.
A key assignment for Thronicke will involve proposing new measures to restrict or prohibit gambling by individuals receiving state-provided social welfare assistance. This initiative follows concerning data from the Central Bank, which revealed that beneficiaries of Bolsa Família, Brazil’s financial aid programme for low-income families, spent BRL 3 billion (€500m) on gambling, as monitored through the PIX payment system.
The CPI of Bets will further evaluate the Bets regime’s exposure to money laundering, currency evasion, and organised crime. Thronicke will shortly summon individuals to be interrogated by the CPI, including ‘digital influencers’ who have promoted unlicensed websites and betting scams to the public.
As reported by SBC Noticias Brasil, Thronicke noted in her feedback that she had “faced threats and harassment, attributing part of the hostility to her being a woman.”
However, she affirmed, “Even with attempts to undermine the committee’s image, we will see this through to the end.” Thronicke vowed to uncover economic threats and liabilities in 2025, stating, “Our goal is to minimise the harm caused by this activity, which directly impacts the lives of thousands of Brazilians.”
The Senate received a further update from the ‘CPI of Integrity’, tasked with investigating incidents and allegations of match-fixing in Brazilian football, involving players, managers, and betting companies.
Sanctioned prior to the government’s approval of the Bets regime, the CPI of Integrity is led by former Seleção legend Senator Romario (PL-RJ) as rapporteur, alongside Senator Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO) as Chair.
The duo reported that the CPI will begin interrogating individuals accused of manipulations affecting betting and sports integrity when government authorities return from recess on 2 February.
Romario and Kajuru have summoned high-profile businessman William Rogatto, known as the “king of relegation,” and his associate Thiago Chambó to be questioned about incidents of match-fixing that have shaken the integrity of Brazil’s professional football leagues.
As reported by SBC Noticias Brasil: “William Rogatto was arrested by Interpol in November in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Kajuru stated that once Rogatto is extradited to Brazil, the CPI will hold a special session to hear his testimony again.” The senator emphasised the importance of his testimony, as Rogatto promised to hand over a computer containing detailed information about influential individuals involved in the schemes.
Meanwhile, Chambó is suspected of participating in fraud within the sports betting sector. The suspect “failed to appear before the CPI on 10 December, prompting Kajuru to request his arrest.” His absence was interpreted as an attempt to avoid providing clarifications about his involvement in the investigated schemes.
Beyond the CPI investigation, Senators Romario and Kajuru have been assigned to recommend new measures and safeguards to strengthen Brazilian sports against corruption and improve the monitoring of integrity threats and manipulation.
2025 proceedings will see the Senate advance investigations into the economic and integrity risks of online gambling and match-fixing through two key CPIs led by Senators Soraya Thronicke, Romario, and Jorge Kajuru. These inquiries aim to uncover fraud, propose stricter regulations, and strengthen safeguards to combat organised crime and corruption in Brazil’s gambling and sports sectors.
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