Presidential candidates' government plans differ on online betting regulation

Before issuing the provisional measure prohibiting betting in Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), candidate for re-election, did not foresee ending the activity in his government plan presented to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The document proposed maintaining mechanisms to control excessive spending on online betting and expanding assistance to people with gaming-related problems.

A survey by g1 of the government plans presented to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) by the 13 presidential candidates shows that seven mentioned gambling.

In programs that addressed the topic, there were proposals to restrict the use of money from social programs, ban advertising, tighten supervision and treat compulsive gambling. There was also criticism of the effects of betting and mentions of the sector in combating organized crime.

Lula's MP was announced this Friday (25), nine days before the first round. The measure foresees that betting sites and applications will go offline on October 6th. Until 11:59 pm on the 5th, bettors will be able to withdraw the amounts held on the platforms.

Lula: expense control and service

Lula's program deals with bets in two moments: in health proposals and in economic measures aimed at protecting consumers. In the health area, the document plans to expand professionals and care strategies for people affected by games. On the economic side, the commitment was to maintain mechanisms to control excessive spending.

Flávio Bolsonaro: restriction on money from social programs

Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL) plan proposes preventing resources from social programs from being used for betting, in addition to promoting educational campaigns about the risks of debt from gambling.

Caiado: stricter rules and advertising ban

Ronaldo Caiado (PSD) dedicates a topic to tackling online gaming and betting as an economic, social and public health threat. The plan proposes to tighten regulations and ban advertising in mass media and social media.

Hertz and Edmilson: prohibition and expropriation

The programs by Hertz Dias (PSTU) and Edmilson Costa (PCB) are the only ones among the 13 analyzed that expressly propose banning betting. Both also defend the expropriation of resources linked to companies.

Samara: criticism of debt and addiction

The plan by Samara Martins (UP) criticizes betting houses in a chapter on access to sport, associating bets with workers' loss of income, debt and addiction.

Grassi: heritage research and sports financing

Wilson Grassi (Democrat) mentions betting houses in proposals to combat organized crime. The document includes the sector among the targets of heritage investigation.