The Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA) has launched a new strategic unit, GTI-Bets, to oversee fiscal compliance and licensing obligations for operators in the Brazil Bets market.
SPA created GTI-Bets through a cooperative arrangement with the Federal Revenue Service. According to SBC Notícias Brazil, GTI-Bets will monitor the online gaming and sports betting sector to ensure compliance with fiscal requirements and the legal conditions for authorised entities.
In addition to its monitoring duties, GTI-Bets will assist Brazilian authorities and investigative bodies in identifying illegal activities, such as money laundering, criminal transactions, and unlicensed operations, that could undermine the Bets market’s integrity.
The Federal Revenue Service initiated GTI-Bets to improve tax efficiencies for entities operating in the Bets market before they receive authorisation. The unit will consist of three members, selected by the Subsecretariat for Auditing of the Federal Revenue Service (SUFIS), the General Coordination for Research and Investigation of the Federal Revenue Service, and the SPA. The Sufis representative will lead the group’s activities.
GTI-Bets will operate for six months, with an option for extension if the secretaries approve. The team will submit bi-monthly reports to the Secretariats and present a final conclusive report at the end of its mandate.
Robinson Sakiyama Barreirinhas, Deputy of the Ministry of Finance, and SPA President Regis Dudena signed the ordinance that established GTI-Bets. The ordinance took effect on Wednesday, 8 January.
SPA Expands Monitoring Efforts for Bets
In an interview with Exame, Regis Dudena revealed that SPA has expanded its collaboration with relevant authorities to strengthen oversight of the Bets market and its licensed operators.
Dudena stated that SPA is working with the Federal Bank and external agencies to block payment transactions through the government’s PIX system directly. SPA is also developing tools to prevent vulnerable populations, especially those dependent on social welfare, from using their funds for gambling. Dudena acknowledged the political sensitivity of addressing this issue.
CPIs to Review Bets Market
On 1 January, Brazil launched its federal online gambling marketplace, commonly referred to as “Bets.” The Ministry of Finance has authorised 70 businesses, with 14 licences approved to operate from day one, while others await regulatory clearance.
Authorities have already received an initial update from rapporteurs leading Commission of Inquiry (CPI) investigations. These investigations aim to evaluate the laws, standards, and protections governing the Bets regime.
The Brazilian Senate has tasked a CPI with investigating financial and sports integrity risks in the online gambling market. Senator Soraya Thronicke leads CPI Bets and will assess the economic vulnerabilities in the Bets market. Meanwhile, Senator Romário leads the CPI of Integrity, which will start interrogating individuals accused of market manipulation on 2 February.
