Brazil’s Senate committee investigating alleged irregularities in the online betting sector is pushing for another extension to meet mounting time constraints. The committee, led by Senator Soraya Thronicke, is responsible for collecting testimonies, analysing evidence, and drafting a final report. However, with the current deadline set to expire on 14 June, progress has been slower than anticipated.
Originally created in November 2024, the committee’s timeline was extended by 45 days in April. Despite Senator Thronicke’s support for the extension, she later expressed concern that it was insufficient and approved without her input. “I will deliver my work, but not in the way I imagined; it will be as best I can,” she said, appealing to Senate President Davi Alcolumbre for additional time.
A formal 130-day extension has been requested, backed by over a third of the Senate. However, the request is still awaiting a formal reading in the Senate Plenary, leaving the committee in limbo.
Thronicke hinted she could escalate the issue to the Supreme Federal Court, but prefers to resolve matters through dialogue:
“I am capable of seeking the Supreme Federal Court, I can file an injunction, but I do not want to judicialize this.”
So far, the committee has heard only 19 individuals, just 10% of the approved witness list. Key figures have not yet testified, including influencer Luan Kovarik (Jon Vlogs), who has been identified as a major promoter of betting platforms.
Many delays have been due to:
- Scheduling conflicts
- Travel
- Legal protections granted by the Supreme Federal Court to avoid self-incrimination
Additionally, the committee will pause operations during the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum from 3–5 June, leaving only one working week before the deadline. Senator Thronicke also criticised the slow restart of committee activities this year, noting the first session was held only on 11 March.
Senator Eduardo Girão warned that vested interests may be influencing the urgency to close the investigation:
“It seems the CPI wants to end it no matter what. I don’t know if this is reaching some powerful people, or what interests are being pushed… We can work to our limits, even on weekends.”
This comes amid increased regulatory pressure in Brazil’s gambling sector. New advertising restrictions now prohibit the use of celebrities, athletes, and influencers to promote betting platforms—a rule that underscores the gravity of the committee’s mission.
Whether the extension is granted or not, the outcome will have significant implications for Brazil’s growing online betting market and its regulation.