President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed his support for restricting certain types of sports betting in Brazil. During an interview with Rede TV, cited by SoloAzar, Lula endorsed Senator Jorge Kajuru’s proposal to prohibit betting on in-game events such as yellow and red cards, corner kicks, and penalties. The initiative aims to limit bets to match outcomes, addressing concerns over match-fixing and corruption in football.
Lula’s comments follow recent allegations of game manipulation involving Flamengo striker Bruno Henrique. On November 5, a Federal Police operation investigated claims that Henrique and his relatives placed bets linked to a yellow card he received during a Brazilian Championship match. The match played against Santos, saw Bruno Henrique receive a yellow card for a foul at the 50-minute mark, followed by a direct red card for dissent. Santos ultimately won the match 2-1.
The investigation suggests that family members, including Henrique’s brother and cousin, placed wagers on the incident, raising serious concerns over ethical violations. These allegations have further fueled discussions around tightening betting regulations in Brazilian sports.
Rising Concerns Over Card Manipulation
Senator Kajuru, who presented the proposal, emphasized the difficulty of preventing manipulation in scenarios like yellow card betting. Supporting this view, Lula stated, “I think it’s right because people can even manipulate the result of the game, but it’s much more difficult than manipulating the yellow card, because the player can provoke the referee to get the yellow card.”
The issue extends beyond Brazil, with international examples highlighting the risks. Lula referenced accusations involving Lucas Paquetá, a midfielder for the Brazilian national team. The English Football Association (FA) charged Paquetá with deliberately committing fouls in Premier League matches to receive yellow cards. These incidents were allegedly designed to benefit friends who bet on the outcomes.
Addressing Broader Betting Challenges
Lula’s endorsement of the proposed restrictions aligns with growing scrutiny of Brazil’s burgeoning sports betting industry. With initial licenses set to be issued soon, the sector has faced criticism over its impact on vulnerable populations. A separate debate is unfolding around the misuse of social welfare funds for gambling.
The Brazilian Supreme Court is currently reviewing measures to prohibit betting using Bolsa Família, the government’s social welfare program. Minister Luis Fux has proposed an immediate ban on gambling with these funds, alongside restrictions on advertising aimed at minors.
This regulatory push has received backing from the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), which advocates for responsible gaming practices. The organization stated that such measures “align with responsible gaming principles” and aim to protect Brazil’s most vulnerable populations from financial harm.
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