Brazilian National Sports Betting Secretary of the Ministry of Sport designated

With a strong background in law and political science, Giovanni brings extensive experience from both the Legislative and Executive branches. Giovanni has a degree in Law and a postgraduate qualification in Political Science, with experience in both the Legislative and Executive branches. His work includes chairing the Association for the Defence of Integrity, Rights and Duties in Gaming and Betting, where he played a crucial role in drafting the bills that regulated sports betting.

Rocco was also executive director of the institutions Abitily Relações Governamentais and the Consórcio Intermunicipal Grande ABC. He served for three years in the Chamber of Deputies and, in the executive branch, he worked in the São Bernardo do Campo City Hall, where he held the position of Special Advisor for Government and Economic Affairs. He was also Executive Secretary of the Greater ABC Economic Development Agency for five years.

In his new role, Giovanni will be responsible for coordinating and supervising actions aimed at developing the sports market in Brazil, promoting access to equipment and structures that enhance sport in all its dimensions. ‘Integrity and respect for Brazilian sport are some of my missions. It is essential to emphasise that sports betting should be seen as a form of recreation and not as a source of income. Betting is entertainment, like football and other sports, and we must know how to separate, control and fulfil the role of supervising and regulating what is approved by law. This is the mission that Minister André Fufuca has entrusted to me, and I will fulfil it,’ said Giovanni Rocco.

‘Giovanni has all the qualifications to work in the area, and our structure, created within the ministry, will monitor and supervise this new sport with all the necessary integrity and transparency. Welcome, and I believe we will have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure that the sport is seen as nothing more than a sporting practice, as it should be,’ said Minister Fufuca.

Interministerial duties

According to the inter-ministerial decree published in May 2024, in addition to the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Attorney General's Office will have attributions and procedures related to sports betting. The Secretariat for Prizes and Betting, an organ of the Ministry of Finance, will be responsible for the areas of fixed-odds betting, commercial promotions, philanthropic raffles, lotteries and capturing popular savings in advance.

The main objective of the Sports Ministry Secretariat will be to monitor and supervise all sports betting issues, ensuring the integrity and unpredictability of sporting events and results. The Ministry of Sport will also be responsible for defining and keeping up-to-date and publicly accessible the list of sports and sports organisations that can be the object of betting on real sporting events.

Communications Office - Ministry of Sport