Begun in November 2024, the CPI has already held 20 meetings and heard 19 people — among them, representatives of the federal government (responsible for regulating 'Bets'), digital influencers and owners of betting sites. Seven of the witnesses were summoned (when there is an obligation to appear). However, on several occasions the members of the CPI were surprised by the absence of witnesses: six of them did not show up to testify.
The final report consolidates the work of the CPI and may, in addition to proposing changes in legislation, frame people for certain crimes (indictments) — in these cases, the report is sent to the Public Prosecutor's Office or the Federal Police.
Disclosure
One of the CPI's work fronts was to discuss the advertising of online betting companies through digital influencers. Soraya pointed out, in several meetings, that the disclosure of these activities must comply with the Consumer Protection Code, the rules of the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) and the rules of the federal government that regulate advertising in the sector, such as Ordinance 1,231, of July 2024.
The senator also opined that there has been controversy over the legality of the exploration of bets since 2018, when Law 13,756 opened up the sector. The law required regulation that only came into effect seven years later.
Crimes
The collegiate, chaired by Senator Dr. Hiran, also looked into suspicions of money laundering, tax evasion and other illicit activities involving the online betting sector. To this end, the CPI requested information from the Federal Police and the civil police forces of some federal entities, such as Pernambuco and the Federal District.
The CPI also analyzed 192 requests for confidential information from the Financial Activities Control Council (Coaf), half of which were approved. In response to the requests, Coaf sent 63 documents to the committee by the beginning of June.
Health and budget
In addition to investigating the possible association of the online gambling sector with criminal organizations and illicit practices, one of the main objectives of the CPI is to analyze the influence of these activities on the budget of Brazilian families and also their social impacts.
Former gambling addicts and mental health specialists were some of the guests received by the committee to explain the effects of the liberalization of gambling on the health of Brazilians.
Source: Agência Senado
