IBJR Supports Measures in STF Injunction

IBJR Supports Measures in STF Injunction

 Betting operators affiliated with the institute already implement advertising restrictions for minors and protections for vulnerable groups

The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR), representing 75% of Brazil’s online betting market, supports the measures outlined in a recent injunction issued by Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Luiz Fux. The injunction prohibits advertising targeting minors and bans betting by beneficiaries of Bolsa Família and other social assistance programs. These player protection measures have long been advocated by IBJR throughout the regulatory discussions.

Minister Luiz Fux’s ruling, published on Tuesday (November 12), orders the government to immediately implement “special protection” measures to prevent the use of social assistance funds, including Bolsa Família and the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC), for gambling purposes. The decision also mandates immediate enforcement of existing federal government rules banning betting site advertising directed at children and adolescents.

Advertising restrictions aimed at minors are already enforced by IBJR-affiliated companies. The institute’s guidelines clearly state that gambling is only permitted for individuals aged 18 and older. “IBJR affiliates take the prohibition of underage betting on their platforms with absolute seriousness, complying with the law as well as the Child and Adolescent Statute. This obviously includes advertising,” says André Gelfi, IBJR’s CEO.

The institute also emphasizes that combating illegal gambling must remain a priority. “The regulation developed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting at the Ministry of Finance, supported by IBJR, sets crucial limits to promote responsible gaming. Nevertheless, a large underground market persists, exposing minors to harmful advertising. This must be rigorously monitored and combated by all,” Gelfi adds.

Regarding the betting restrictions for social assistance beneficiaries, the decision aligns with IBJR’s position of protecting more vulnerable groups. “IBJR affiliates continue to support the Ministry of Finance’s efforts to enforce these restrictions. We share the view that gambling must be responsible and respect each person’s financial limits,” explains the IBJR CEO.

These and other measures are consistent with the Manifesto issued by IBJR, which sets forth the institute’s stance on betting market regulation and responsible gaming. The Manifesto has been published across various media and is available on the institute’s website: www.ibjr.org/manifesto-ibjr.