At the ICE Conference in Barcelona, Regis Dudena, head of Brazil’s gambling regulator, announced plans to establish a supplier registration mechanism for the country’s emerging online gambling market. With the market still in its infancy, the move aims to enhance oversight and ensure suppliers meet established standards, paving the way for a more regulated environment. While full licensing for suppliers isn’t imminent, certification for online gaming systems and providers is expected to be implemented soon.
Dudena also highlighted Brazil’s proactive efforts to combat black-market operators. In collaboration with platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok, authorities have blocked thousands of domains linked to illegal gambling. He underscored the importance of learning from international regulators, such as the UK Gambling Commission, to strengthen enforcement and minimize regulatory missteps.
Advertising regulations remain a hot topic, with concerns over market oversaturation. While some lawmakers propose banning gambling advertisements entirely, Dudena supports a balanced approach to responsible advertising, allowing for consumer protection without stifling market growth. Future plans include potentially introducing a centralised self-exclusion system, though data protection challenges must first be addressed.
Despite significant progress, the regulatory body faces a backlog of over 300 license applications, with only 70 approved to date. Introducing stringent supplier registration requirements and fostering international collaboration are part of Brazil’s broader strategy to create a transparent, accountable, and safe gambling environment, while minimizing the influence of black-market operators.