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Brazil Introduces Stringent Online Gaming Regulations to Uphold Market Integrity
Brazil is about to redefine its digital gaming environment through stringent regulatory updates. These changes, orchestrated by the Secretariat of Awards and Prizes (SPA), aim to instill greater integrity and fairness within the sector. A set of new ‘Normative Ordinances’ will dictate how financial transactions for online gaming must be managed across the nation.
Detailed Transactional Regulations
The SPA has mandated a series of rules that define acceptable practices for money handling in online gaming:
- All transactions must be processed through electronic transfers such as Pix, TED (Available Electronic Transfer), and debit or prepaid cards.
- Bank transfers must be sanctioned by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN).
- Transactions via cash, bank slips, cheques, and cryptocurrencies are forbidden.
- The use of credit cards for deposits and winnings is also prohibited.
These regulations are designed to ensure all transactions are traceable and secure, minimizing the risk of fraud and unregulated activities.
Restriction on Promotional Incentives
In an attempt to promote safer gambling practices, the SPA has issued a ban on promotional incentives typically used to attract new players. This includes bonuses and free bets, which are commonly used in the online betting sector.
Ensuring Timely and Secure Payment Processes
To guarantee efficiency and security in financial dealings, the SPA requires operators to distribute winnings and handle transactions within a two-hour window following the conclusion of a game or event.
Robust liquidity risk management policies must be implemented by all licensed operators of the Brazil Bets market:
- Procedures for assessing, overseeing, and reducing liquidity risks.
- Creation of emergency funding plans.
- These policies are be reviewed and approved by the SPA on an annual basis.
What’s more, operators also need to establish financial guarantees by securing a minimum financial buffer of R$ 5 million, stored as federal public securities in a bank account separate from operational funds.