The Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has appointed Carlos Lima as its new Executive President, following Fernando Vieira’s decision to step down from the position in October 2025.
As the new Executive President, Lima will be responsible for strengthening technical and institutional dialogue with the Federal Government, National Congress, regulatory authorities and civil society, as well as improving the country’s regulated environment.
“The maturation of Brazil’s betting market requires an approach grounded in data, transparency, governance and legal certainty. The regulated environment is the most effective tool for ensuring consumer protection, preserving the integrity of the sector and fostering its sustainable development,” Lima said.
“Regulation serves as a seal of security for consumers and a benefit to society as a whole. By establishing clear rules, user protection mechanisms and responsible gaming policies, it reduces the social and economic costs associated with the illegal market. Strengthening the regulated market means protecting citizens, creating jobs, attracting investment and increasing public revenues.”
IBJR Co-Founder André Gelfi, who took over as Interim President while the Institute searched for Vieira’s successor, will continue to support the organization as a Board Member and Director.
In his new role, Gelfi will help maintain continuity of IBJR’s institutional agenda and strengthen the regulated market alongside fellow members of the board.
According to the Institute, Lima has previously led strategic initiatives related to institutional relations, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and sector-specific regulation in industries of “significant economic and social relevance.”
Lima also believes that regulation “represents a fundamental milestone in distinguishing authorized and supervised operators from illegal platforms that operate outside the law.”
On May 15, IBJR publicly backed the creation of Base Apostas, the Federal Police’s new specialist unit focused on match-fixing, betting fraud and related financial crimes.
Base Apostas was recently established under the Federal Police’s General Coordination for the Repression of Corruption, Financial Crimes and Money Laundering, placing betting-related investigations within the country’s wider organized crime enforcement structure.
The IBJR welcomed Apple’s decision to allow licensed betting operators to distribute apps through the Brazilian App Store on May 13, helping to strengthen the country’s regulated iGaming market
