Between noise and real moves: What (really) shifted Brazils iGaming landscape this week
Last week marked yet another heated chapter in the already turbulent script of Brazils Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) into Sports Betting. Following influencer Virgnia Fonsecas highly publicised testimony which sparked a wave of debate across social media it was Father Patricks turn to take centre stage. Known for his presence on social platforms, where he has over 6.6 million followers, the priest voluntarily appeared before the Senate to share his critical perspective on the betting industry.
His testimony was filled with catchphrases, a moralising tone and, of course, broad media coverage. The priests participation triggered immediate engagement on digital platforms, made headlines and further reinforced the emotional tone that has shaped recent CPI sessions. It was yet another hearing where technical debate gave way to spectacle.
But not everyone is watching this narrative unfold passively. In an exclusive interview with our newsroom, State Deputy for Rio Grande do Sul and BiS SiGMA Americas speaker Marcus Vinicius de Almeida delivered sharp criticism of how the CPI is being handled:
The main culprits for rising debt and gambling addiction are the Government and Congress, respectively. Regulation has been under discussion for at least five years, yet no real progress has been made. For fear of electoral repercussions, the issue has been swept under the rug for half a decade. The bills presented so far are patchworks. The result is a fragile and chaotic legal framework.
According to the deputy, the CPI has strayed far from its original purpose: investigating irregularities and proposing effective solutions. Instead, he says, it has become a stage for media exposure:
The CPI is absurdly ridiculous. It lacks technique. It lacks rationale. It lacks foundation. But it has likes, views and memes. The impression is that, for some parliamentarians, TikTok engagement matters more than job creation, income generation and public revenue which a strong regulation would enable.
He concludes with a direct warning about the damage this approach is causing:
What the Senate is doing to journalists, athletes and public figures who act as influencers judging and condemning them for operating within what the law currently allows is outrageous. If the time, money and effort spent on this CPI were channelled into drafting responsible legislation, we could have over 60,000 new jobs and more than R$ 12 billion in annual tax revenue figures cited by the Ministry of Finance itself.
His criticism resonates with the regulated industry, which has long called for a clear separation between legitimate operators those who follow rules and adopt best practices and criminal schemes that exploit legal grey areas.
Amid this backdrop, an important development took place in the state of Tocantins. The state lottery, Lototins, began installing physical betting terminals in commercial locations a concrete step towards operationalizing the local market with legal backing and proper technological infrastructure. The system is expected to generate over R$ 600 million over five years, contributing to public policy funding and stimulating regional economic growth.
The project was made possible through a private-sector concession and follows the model permitted by Brazils Supreme Federal Court (STF), which recognises the shared authority of states to operate lotteries. At a time when the national debate on betting regulation remains stalled by political disputes and moral polarisation, the Tocantins initiative signals that viable paths exist provided there is political will, proper planning and legal clarity.
These types of initiatives reflect the pursuit of a more transparent and responsible betting market aligned with the discussions promoted by events like BiS SiGMA Americas.
Brazils iGaming market is far from static it pulses, evolves and reacts, week by week, to the challenges and opportunities emerging from the regulatory, political and technological landscape. Understanding this dynamic is essential for anyone working in the sector, investing in it, or simply tracking its growing impact on the economy and society.
Thats why we remain vigilant, turning each weeks most relevant developments into strategic information. This weekly series is designed for those who know the present is shaping the future and want to stay ahead of it.
Meanwhile, preparations for BiS SiGMA Americas 2026 are already in motion. Were building the next gathering that will bring together leaders, innovators and policymakers to debate, propose and drive change.
Stay with us. The game is only just beginning and Brazil could still emerge as the protagonist in a story the whole world will want to watch.
