Internal surveys by the platforms estimate that about 30% of the bettor base has some type of link to social assistance programs, and that the restriction could affect between 8% and 15% of companies’ revenues.
The ban on using Bolsa Família and BPC funds for online betting was regulated by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) of the Ministry of Finance after the STF’s decision in November 2024.
Under the rules, operators must consult databases provided by the Ministry of Social Development at the time of registration, login, or financial transactions.
Since the measure took effect, betting operators have reported to the Ministry of Finance cases of what they consider improper blocks. According to representatives of the companies, the government system is also blocking former beneficiaries, because the verification is carried out exclusively based on the status provided by the Ministry of Social Development, without distinguishing between those who are still receiving benefits and those who are no longer enrolled.
According to the Ministry of Finance, there is no individual screening of taxpayers’ identification numbers (CPF). The blocking is automatic and follows the status received from the databases of the Ministry of Social Development, which updates the CadÚnico, Bolsa Família, and BPC information on a monthly basis.
In a statement, the Ministry of Social Development said it manages the benefits payroll on a monthly basis and continuously monitors beneficiaries’ compliance with Bolsa Família and BPC eligibility rules. When questioned by the column, the ministry did not detail the date of the latest database update nor indicate whether it had received formal reports of improper blocks.
Source: PlatôBR
