ANJL responds to claims that players are sacrificing household funds to bet
Date: 2024-09-17 Author: Robert Beloved Categories: SPORTS BETTING
Earlier this week, Isaac Sidney, president of the Brazilian Bank Federation, called for an acceleration of the ban on the use of credit cards for online betting, underscoring growing concerns about problem gambling in the country.
That same day, the ANJL responded to a study by the Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumerism (SBVC) that suggested that Brazilians are spending money needed to buy food, clothing, and medicine on gambling.
SBVC study: 63% of players are sacrificing their salary to bet
According to the study, which surveyed 1,337 people, 63% of those who bet online believe that gambling has a negative impact on their finances. Moreover, 23% of those surveyed reported that they stopped buying clothes and 19% stopped buying food in order to be able to continue betting. Another 11% of participants reported cutting back on health and medications.
ANJL responds: Consumer spending data refutes accusations
The National Association of Games and Lotteries, which represents operators such as Betnacional and Aposta Ganha, responded to criticism by citing data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). According to them, household consumer spending in Brazil increased by 4.9% compared to last year, and by 1.3% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter.
ANJL noted that the SBVC study data does not correspond to the real picture, arguing that accusations of decreased consumption or increased debt due to gambling are baseless. The association stressed that such statements are detrimental to the regulated market by encouraging illegal operators.
Responsibility and the fight against the black market
In its letter, the ANJL also noted that the problem of gambling addiction is not ignored. The association actively promotes awareness campaigns to emphasize that gambling should be perceived as entertainment and not a source of income. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to safe gaming practices, especially in the context of the growing threat from unlicensed platforms.
The ANJL believes that with the launch of the regulated market in January 2025, players will be able to place bets in a safe environment with clear rules and penalties for violations.
