Brazilian senate to review tougher betting regulations and match-fixing penalties

The Brazilian Senate is set to review a series of regulatory measures aimed at tackling corruption and match-fixing in the country’s sports betting industry. The proposals, drafted by the Senate’s Commission of Inquiry into Integrity (CPI da Integridade), will be presented on March 19 by Senators Romário (PL-RJ) and Jorge Kajuru (PSB-GO), who have led the investigation into betting-related fraud.

The inquiry, launched to address concerns over the integrity of Brazil’s betting sector, has gathered testimonies from football officials, club presidents, and individuals involved in past match-fixing scandals. The final report, "The Manipulation of Sports Games and Betting," outlines measures designed to increase transparency, accountability, and legal oversight.

Among the key recommendations is a proposal to impose severe penalties on athletes and facilitators found guilty of match-fixing. Under the suggested legal framework, individuals convicted of betting fraud could face prison sentences ranging from four to ten years, along with financial penalties.

The CPI also calls for the creation of a public registry listing those convicted of match-fixing to ensure transparency and prevent repeat offenses. 

In a move to eliminate vulnerabilities in the betting sector, the commission has recommended a ban on micro-betting, wagers placed on minor in-game events such as yellow and red cards, corner kicks, or other isolated occurrences. The report cited the Lucas Paquetá betting scandal as evidence of how micro-betting can be manipulated without affecting the final outcome of matches.

Advertising regulations would mandate betting companies to provide disclaimers about the dangers of gambling addiction and promote responsible gaming.

Additionally, the CPI proposes increased oversight of betting-related data, with Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) tasked with monitoring the financial transactions of licensed operators. 

To strengthen enforcement, the report suggests the establishment of a dedicated investigative unit within the Federal Police to monitor suspicious betting patterns and collaborate with sports authorities in addressing integrity threats.

Senator Romário is also expected to push for a constitutional amendment making it mandatory for individuals summoned by congressional inquiry commissions to testify. The amendment follows a recent ruling by the Federal Supreme Court that exempted influencer Deolane Bezerra from appearing before the CPI on sports betting.

Following the Senate’s review, all findings and legislative proposals will be forwarded to the Federal Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Sports, and other relevant government bodies will also receive the report to assess the financial and regulatory implications of the proposed reforms.