A projected annual income of more than R$ 200 million (US$ 50m) for sports betting football clubs, legalized in the country in December last year, is vetoed by existing legislation. Football clubs’ fantasy games (‘cartolas’ as they are known in Brazil) already have this new source of income to reinforce their coffers even to strengthen their teams.
Paragraph 2nd of Article 42 of the Pelé Law (Law 9,615 March 98) states that it does not apply to the provisions of the article, which deals with the right of arena, “the display of flagrant spectacles or sporting events for ... journalistic, sporting or educational activities or for legally authorized bets.”
“The law exempts sports betting sites and apps from paying clubs over R$ 200 million (US$ 50m), if you also consider the betting rights, those of websites and apps to showcase the best moments of matches, which today would be free,” confirms Pedro Trengrouse, the country's leading sports betting expert, the only Brazilian member of the International Association of Game Industry Consultants and vice-president of the OAB Special Gaming Commission. "For clubs to benefit from the fundraising, the legislation would have to be modified."
The main proof that the fantasy games are keeping an eye on sports betting money was the organization, by the Paulista Football Federation, of the first seminar on the subject addressed to football clubs in late July.
Interlocutors, FPF officials argue that it is fair to claim clubs to receive 1% of the total collected by gambling sites and apps. This is the same line followed by the sports leagues in the USA, where the subject goes through a discussion. The Ministry of Economy will soon hold a public consultation to discuss the issue with all interested parties.
Source: GMB / Yahoo Esportes
