“The provisional measure sent a very bad signal to society as a whole,” states Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira, of ABRAJOGO

Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira, vice-president of the Brazilian Betting and Gaming Association (ABRAJOGO), criticized the effects of the provisional measure that banned online betting in Brazil. In an interview with BandNews TV’s *Tarde BandNews* program on Thursday (8), she addressed the growth of the underground market, the economic impacts of the ban, and the loss of investor confidence. “This provisional measure—this hasty measure taken by the government—really not only made things worse but also sent a very bad signal to society as a whole,” he declared. According to Ana Bárbara, the suspension of activities by regulated companies also hampered efforts to combat illegal platforms, which had relied on the participation of the sector itself. “It is no longer possible to financially sustain this sweep,” he explained. The official noted that the takedown of approximately 60,000 illegal websites—a figure released by the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) as of August—was the result of a partnership between the public sector and the private sector. According to the ABRAJOGO representative, the ban halted a process of refining industry regulations, including initiatives regarding advertising and the activities of digital influencers. “One thing we have been saying a lot as an industry is that banning is not regulating. There is room for improvement and refinement in any regulation,” he emphasized. She also mentioned that discussions were underway with the National Advertising Self-Regulation Council (Conar) and other institutions to improve the practices of digital influencers and affiliates responsible for promoting the platforms. “A lot of things were underway—were being built—that unfortunately came to a halt because of this.” Economic impacts and job losses Another point highlighted by the ABRAJOGO vice-president was the measure’s impact on job creation and the attraction of foreign investment. “Many are reconsidering continuing to invest in Brazil; it is a very sad situation, as this was an industry that generated jobs far beyond the operators themselves,” he stated. Ana Bárbara cited technology hubs in Santa Catarina, Paraíba, and Pernambuco as examples of regions that had been benefiting from the expansion of the regulated market. “Here in Brazil, we have wonderful startup technology hubs—in Santa Catarina, Paraíba, and Pernambuco—hubs that included operators and small companies that had started up, were growing, and were creating jobs with skilled-level wages; yet all of that was lost in ten days.” The executive also lamented the impact of the measure on investor and entrepreneur confidence. “I have no words to express just how damaging this measure was—not only to our industry and to the confidence of entrepreneurs, but especially to the confidence of foreign investors.” According to the assessment, the economic consequences should not be limited to direct jobs. Sectors such as soccer, entertainment, parties, and Carnival could also be affected by the withdrawal of investments from betting companies. “We are going to see a much higher level of unemployment, and it won’t be limited to just our industry; the figures reported refer only to direct jobs, while the impact on the indirect supply chain is far greater,” he warned. What is the expectation regarding the reversal of the measure? Despite the situation, Ana Bárbara expressed confidence that the ban could be overturned through the National Congress. The official also mentioned legal measures currently under consideration as potential avenues for challenging the government’s decision. “We truly believe in the country’s democratic institutions,” he emphasized, given that the provisional measure is being challenged in the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and must pass through Congress. Finally, the executive lamented the interruption of a regulatory process that, according to her, had been gaining international recognition. It is with great sadness that we see an entire regulatory framework—which, I would like to highlight, was being praised abroad as one of the best in the world—literally torn up, as if nothing had been done. O post “The provisional measure sent a very bad signal to society as a whole,” states Ana Bárbara Costa Teixeira, of ABRAJOGO apareceu primeiro em iGaming Brazil.