The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has issued a manifesto to reaffirm its commitment to enabling a safe, transparent, and responsible gambling environment.
The announcement comes as the country approaches a new milestone as its regulated market approaches its official launch on 1 January 2025.
IBJR’s newly published manifesto aims to bring clarity and accountability to the sector, and help combat illicit practices in the market.
The IBJR represents around 75% of the Brazilian sports betting market, and aims to be at the forefront of setting a high standard in responsible gambling.
Comprising major global operators with experience in more mature markets such as the UK, US, and Australia, the organisation has outlined its commitment to a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant betting landscape.
The manifesto underlines that IBJR’s vision is to ensure the expected wave of sports betting growth benefits Brazilian society at large, without falling foul of ills usually associated with unregulated gambling.
Regulation on the horizon
Upon the regulated market launch on 1 January, new rules around online betting will come into force in Brazil.
Following years of waiting, the imminent regulatory regime contains a number of strict requirements designed to afford users greater protection and foster responsible betting behaviour.
Among the requirements is the use of technology such as facial recognition which, among other things, will try to verify players’ age and identity to block minors’ access to betting platforms.
Users must also be able to set time limits on the betting sites they use, as well as limits on their financial losses in an attempt to keep a check on potentially harmful behaviours.
The regulations also stipulate that only licensed operators will be permitted to use the “.bet.br” domain, a new identifier that will help consumers distinguish legitimate, licensed platforms from illegal, unregulated sites.
According to the IBJR, this change is intended to reinforce trust between betting operators and the public by clearly marking authorised platforms and reducing the risk of users accessing illegal or unethical operations.
A multi-faceted approach
The IBJR’s manifesto goes beyond self-regulation, however, emphasising collaboration with sports and public authorities to monitor and combat illegal activities within the industry.
To address the problem of match-fixing, which has plagued several sports leagues worldwide, the IBJR has partnered with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
This partnership will utilise data-sharing and advanced AI technology to detect and analyse suspicious betting patterns. When abnormalities are confirmed, information is relayed to sports organisations and authorities to ensure prompt action against misconduct.
As part of its commitment to player safety, IBJR also supports the use of time and spending limits, which enable players to set personal boundaries and prevent financial harm.
Core pillars of IBJR’s RG framework
IBJR’s responsible gambling framework rests on four main pillars: regulation, conscious advertising, economic contribution, and responsible gaming practices.
– Regulation: The IBJR has been a vocal proponent of clear, enforceable regulations to create a stable legal environment for online betting. Through ongoing dialogue with the government, IBJR has shared valuable insights drawn from international markets, enabling Brazil to adopt best practices from around the world.
– Conscious advertising: The institute recognises the power of advertising to influence consumer behavior and has thus introduced an Advertising Code for its members. This code outlines specific standards to prevent the promotion of illegal gambling and encourages campaigns that promote responsible betting. By requiring educational messages in advertisements, the IBJR aims to mitigate the appeal of risky gambling and educate the public on safe practices.
– Economic and sports investment: IBJR members are committed to driving Brazil’s economic growth by investing in various sectors, notably sports. With an increasing number of companies seeking licenses, the Brazilian government anticipates that tax revenues from betting could reach billions in the coming years. Additionally, betting operators have been active in supporting Brazilian sports through sponsorships and long-term investments. These contributions serve to strengthen the sports ecosystem, benefiting athletes, teams, and communities across the country.
– Responsible gambling: Recognising the potential dangers associated with gambling addiction, IBJR prioritises safe gaming measures to protect players. The organisation has taken steps to ban credit cards as a payment option to reduce impulsive betting. Furthermore, the IBJR is promoting a “Good Practices Manual” for bettors, providing guidelines on how to gamble responsibly.