The companies, which dominate the app store market, refuse to make these services available, citing risks to their reputation. The betting regulation, which came into effect in January, aims to combat the illegal market and fraud.
The Ministry of Finance and representatives of the betting industry argue that including authorized apps in official stores could help regulate the market. Currently, about half of betting operations in Brazil take place on unauthorized sites. To operate legally, companies must pay fees and follow compliance rules.
The restriction of apps is seen as a factor that favors the increase in the use of illegal platforms. The director of regulation for the Betting and Fantasy Sports Association, Heloisa Diniz, highlighted that around 75% of online sports bets were made via cell phones last year.
The availability of regulated applications in official stores could reinforce user protection.
Google only allows the publication of gambling games related to horse racing and Caixa Econômica Federal lotteries. The company also stated that it has updated its advertising policies to combat ads from illegal websites. Apple has not commented on the matter.
The Ministry of Finance emphasized that the use of applications by authorized companies can be an effective tool in combating the illegal market.
The department responsible for regulating the sector argues that the creation of control mechanisms in application stores is essential to guarantee user safety.
Source: GMB
