Brazil: Secretary of Prizes and Betting Highlights Consolidation of the Regulated Market and Concludes His Term at the Treasury

In his final public appearance at the helm of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), Régis Dudena emphasized that the current framework of the sector is the result of an accelerated regulatory process launched after the approval of Law No. 14,790 in December 2023. According to the secretary, throughout 2024 it was possible to build, in just a few months, an unprecedented regulatory foundation for a market that had operated for years without effective state supervision.

“The year of the regulated market did not begin on January 1, 2025. There was intense work in 2024 to create the entire regulatory base of the sector and structure the operator authorization process,” Dudena stated, noting that more than 300 authorization requests were filed and reviewed within the deadlines set by the Secretariat.

Regulation, Security and Player Protection

According to the secretary, 2025 marks the first period in which the effects of regulation are becoming tangible. “This is the first time in history that the State knows who is allowed to provide this service, who the shareholders and executives are, and can act more effectively to protect people and combat fraud and money laundering,” he said.

Dudena reiterated that the SPA’s primary mission is not revenue generation—an area under the responsibility of the Federal Revenue Service—but rather ensuring a safe and transparent environment for players and for the popular economy. He attributed recent advances to coordinated action among public bodies such as the Federal Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health and Anatel, as well as cooperation with private-sector entities and civil society organizations.

Tackling Illegality and Future Challenges

Among the main challenges ahead, the secretary pointed to the need to ensure full compliance with the rules by all authorized companies. “The first challenge is to make sure everyone understands that the rules must be followed. Those who do not comply will be supervised,” he said.

Another key pillar of the regulatory agenda, according to Dudena, is tackling the illegal market. He observed that if Brazil achieves channelization levels between 60% and 70% into the regulated market, the country would rank among global leaders on this indicator. He highlighted the growing use of technology and partnerships with financial institutions to identify irregular financial flows and dismantle clandestine operations. “Combating illegality is a necessary counterbalance to protect people, ensure market integrity, and support those who operate within the rules,” he stated.

As he stepped down from the role amid his transition to the Secretariat of Economic Reforms, Dudena said he was confident in the continuity of the institutional work. He praised the performance of Deputy Secretary Daniele Correa Cardoso and the SPA team, emphasizing their technical expertise and commitment to consumer protection and the strengthening of the regulated market. “I leave with the conviction that the Secretariat will continue to fulfill its role and grow stronger, provided that market agents understand the public responsibility involved in delivering this service,” he concluded.