Brazil’s First Lady defends betting regulation and highlights self-exclusion tools

Brazil’s First Lady Janja Lula da Silva has defended the regulation of betting in Brazil while encouraging people affected by gambling-related harm to use self-exclusion tools available through the Federal Government.

In a video, Janja argued that regulation has strengthened oversight of the betting sector and introduced mechanisms aimed at protecting consumers.

The video featured testimonies from individuals who reported experiencing financial and personal difficulties linked to online gambling. Janja used the campaign to highlight measures adopted since the launch of Brazil’s regulated betting market, including stricter licensing requirements, taxation and responsible gambling initiatives.

Among the measures cited was the Government’s centralised self-exclusion platform, which allows users to block their access across all federally licensed betting operators through a single request and has already reached over 600,000 Brazilians. 

Janja also referenced restrictions connected to the renewed debt renegotiation program, under which participants can face temporary betting access restrictions designed to support financial recovery.

The comments arrive as debate continues over the social impact of gambling in Brazil. The Federal Government has repeatedly argued that regulation provides greater consumer protection than an unregulated market.

Recently, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the country could consider shutting down betting operators, citing concerns over household debt and social impacts. However, he also noted that any such decision would depend on congressional debate and legislative action.

“It is not acceptable for dreams, salaries and lives to be transformed into profit for those who advertise and for the platforms that feed on people's vulnerability and debt. Fighting this [illegal betting] is also protecting families. Choose the right side of influence," concluded the First Lady.