The regulation updates MESP Ordinance No. 125/2024 and addresses a demand already discussed in a public consultation promoted by the SPA, which heard from representatives of the regulated sector. Seeing the regulator legislate in alignment with the industry is an important sign of maturity in the Brazilian regulatory process.
Main points:
- Inclusion of new popular sports such as Capoeira, MMA, Bodybuilding, Rugby League, and others
- Recognition of licensed e-Sports tournaments as valid events for betting
- Prohibition of exclusivity for operators or developers, promoting fairness and free competition
- Commitment to continuously updating the list of sports, in line with the evolution and recognition of new practices
The publication updates MESP Ordinance 125, from last December, and defines that Article 2, items VI and VIII, shall henceforth read as follows:
“VI – Sports and disciplines of significant popularity: Auto Racing; Bandy; Beach Tennis; Billiards; Bodyboarding; Bocce; Capoeira; Cornhole; Cricket; Dance Sport; Darts; Bodybuilding; Floorball; American Football; Beach Soccer; Australian Football; Gaelic Football; Society Football (including “X1”); Footvolley; Roller Hockey; Hurling; Jiu-Jitsu; Kart Racing; Lacrosse; MMA (Mixed Martial Arts); Motorcycling; Muay Thai; Skydiving; Fishing; Polo; Pool (American Billiards); Rally; Rugby Union (15-a-side); Rugby League; Rugby Sevens; Sambo; Sumo; Harness Racing (jumping and turns, at trot and gallop); Gliding; and Chess.” (NR)
“VIII – eSports tournaments that have obtained a license or authorization from the developer or the holder of the intellectual property rights of the video games played in such tournaments.” (NR)
“Sole paragraph: The developer or holder of the intellectual property rights of the video games may not restrict the operation to a single betting operator. Likewise, the betting operator may not demand exclusivity in the exploitation of such tournaments. In both cases, equal access conditions must be observed and free competition guaranteed, in accordance with current legislation.” (NR)
The Ministry of Sports states in the document that it will keep the list of sports covered by this Ordinance up to date and publicly available, promoting the inclusion of new sports, including eSports, as appropriate and as they are regulated and recognized by official sports entities and/or the developer or holder of the intellectual property rights of the video games.
Source: GMB
