Brazilian Senator Camilo Santana has proposed a bill that would introduce a default monthly deposit limit of R$80 (around €30) for fixed-odds betting. The measure would amend Law No. 14,790/2023. It aims to reduce the risk of over-indebtedness. At the same time, it would allow bettors with greater financial capacity to request higher limits.
Proposed Deposit Limit
Under the bill, the R$80 ceiling would apply to the combined value of deposits made by a bettor across all licensed betting operators in Brazil during a calendar month. However, winnings and returned funds would not count toward the limit.
Santana said the proposal responds to concerns arising from the development of Brazil’s regulated betting market. It would introduce additional consumer protection measures. He also pointed to deposit limits used in markets including Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands as inspiration for the proposal.
The R$80 threshold is equivalent to approximately 5% of Brazil’s current minimum wage. It would serve as the standard limit for bettors.
Higher Limits Based on Income
Bettors wishing to deposit more than R$80 could request an increase, subject to demonstrating sufficient financial capacity. The proposed maximum would be equivalent to 5% of the bettor’s proven monthly income. The Ministry of Finance would be responsible for establishing the criteria and frequency for income verification.
According to the proposal, the system is intended to balance consumer protection with flexibility for bettors. This would benefit those who can demonstrate that higher spending would not disproportionately affect their finances.
Operators Could Face Refund Requirements
The bill would also require betting operators to immediately return deposits that exceed an authorised monthly limit. This would happen without affecting other penalties that may apply under Brazilian law.
If approved by Congress and signed into law, the proposed rules would take effect 90 days after publication. The Ministry of Finance would also be authorised to adjust the R$80 threshold over time to preserve its real value.
The proposal adds another potential layer of consumer protection to Brazil’s developing regulated betting framework. At the same time, it would place greater emphasis on financial capacity and responsible betting behaviour.
