ANJL urges parents to prevent minors from betting in Brazil
The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) has issued a critical advisory to parents, emphasizing the importance of restricting access to online betting sites for minors in Brazil.
The ANJL reiterated in a press release dated January 28 that only individuals aged 18 and older are permitted to access online gambling platforms. The organization highlighted the strict prohibition against minors engaging in such activities.
To access government-authorized betting sites, Brazilian users are required to provide their Individual Taxpayer Registration (CPF) number and to undergo facial recognition verification. This process ensures the integrity of identity confirmation and that users meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years.
Despite these precautions, the ANJL cautions that enforcing age restrictions relies significantly on parental and guardian cooperation. There exists a risk that children could manipulate these regulations by using an adult’s personal information to gain access to betting sites, which constitutes a criminal offense.
Consequently, the ANJL emphasizes that the onus lies with parents to uphold regulatory compliance and safeguard minors from engaging in gambling activities in Brazil.
“The Association has fulfilled its responsibilities by developing mechanisms designed to prevent underage access,” stated ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge. “However, it is equally imperative that awareness campaigns are embraced by those responsible for minors.”
The Danger of Illegal Betting Platforms
While websites licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) are obligated to enforce age restrictions, illegal operators often disregard these fundamental regulations.
This fact raises significant concern for the ANJL. “Legalized platforms adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by Brazilian law,” Lemos Jorge elaborated. “As a result, we have effectively established mechanisms to prevent minors from accessing these platforms.”
However, he noted that unauthorized websites present a stark contrast. “On these platforms, children can easily access content without appropriate safeguards and, alarmingly, may even be encouraged to gamble.”
Enhancing Protection for Minors in Brazil
The ANJL, representing leading operators such as BetNacional and Big Brazil, has taken a proactive approach to shield minors from the risks associated with gambling.
In October, the association launched a campaign entitled “Betting is Not a Child’s Game,” aimed at educating the public about the potential dangers of gambling for those below the legal age and emphasizing the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians.
As the legal market in Brazil approached launch, the SPA released Normative Ordinance No. 1,902 on December 6, designed to expedite the implementation of various protective measures initially proposed in July, particularly surrounding advertising practices.
This ordinance immediately prohibited any advertising targeting minors, as well as marketing through channels predominantly viewed by individuals aged 17 and under. Moreover, advertisements displaying children or utilizing elements that are particularly appealing to young audiences were banned. All communications from operators were mandated to feature an ‘18+’ symbol or a clear message stating, “Prohibited for individuals under 18.”
Implementing these measures exemplifies the commitment of the ANJL and the Brazilian government to create a responsible gambling environment and protect the most vulnerable members of society. By prioritizing these protections, they seek to set a global example of a well-regulated gambling framework.
