ANJL slams anti-betting comments from financial director

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has publicly condemned the disparaging statements made by Aquiles Mosca, CEO of BNP Paribas Brazil and director of the Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Market Entities (Anbima), regarding the burgeoning regulated online betting sector in Brazil.

In a recent article published in the reputable Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico, titled “Bets: The Bookmaker Who Lives in Your Pocket Will Make You Unhappy,” Mosca criticized the legal online betting industry, which officially came into operation on January 1. His commentary raised serious concerns about the potential repercussions of gambling addiction, linking it to marital strife, bankruptcy, and even suicide.

In response, the ANJL, in collaboration with prominent organizations such as the Brazilian Gaming Association (Abrajogo), the National Gaming Association (AIGaming), and the Brazilian Institute of Legal Gaming (IJL), issued a formal letter of repudiation on April 4.

“By equating the regulated betting sector to a ‘pocket bookmaker,’ Mosca not only delivers a disrespectful commentary but also fosters a misleading narrative that lacks substantial evidence,” the joint statement emphasized. “His assertions dismiss the considerable institutional, regulatory, and economic advancements that have emerged from the legal framework underpinning betting in Brazil.”

### ANJL’s Clarifications on Betting in Brazil

The coalition of gaming organizations took the opportunity to address several critical points raised in Mosca’s article, particularly his portrayal of gamblers as universally unhappy and his assertion that betting inevitably leads to greater personal financial vulnerability.

Since the start of the year, the regulated betting market has made significant contributions to Brazil’s economy, generating over BRL 4 billion (£534.1 million/€625.5 million/$685.7 million) in revenue for the federal government through taxes and concessions. This financial injection is complemented by job creation in numerous sectors connected to gaming, driving innovation and economic development across the country.

The ANJL underscored its commitment to compliance, emphasizing that licensed operators adhere to rigorous regulations and maintain transparency in their operations, supervised by relevant authorities to ensure legal and tax obligations are met.

Moreover, the response took issue with Mosca’s attempt to link the regulated industry with criminal activities. “Equating a legitimate, regulated sector—characterized by clear tax responsibilities and social contributions—to illegal operations is an unfounded and unjust effort to undermine a legal activity that is now a vital component of the national economy,” the statement asserted.

The organizations called on Brazilian authorities to condemn such disparaging remarks, which not only disrespect the regulated gaming industry but also threaten to dismantle the progress made in modernizing the market structure.

“The undersigned entities reaffirm their commitment to legality, transparency, and the establishment of a robust and responsible regulatory environment,” the note concluded, highlighting their dedication to an industry that is evolving and contributing positively to Brazilian society.