Brazil’s National Association of Gaming and Lotteries (ANJL) has proposed a phased approach to implementing new rules for online games as the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA/MF) prepares to publish an Interministerial Ordinance covering game design, user experience, and platform requirements.
ANJL and SPA/MF discussed the upcoming rules on August 7. During the meeting, industry representatives raised concerns that some requirements could force operators to make structural changes to existing games and undergo additional certification processes.
Operators Warn of Higher Compliance Costs
Among the most sensitive proposals are restrictions on features such as autoplay and turbo or quick spin, alongside minimum time requirements between the start and end of a betting round.
According to ANJL, these measures could increase costs for licensed operators by requiring them to modify existing game mechanics and potentially recertify their products.
More importantly, the association warned that stricter requirements could create a competitive imbalance between Brazil’s regulated and illegal markets. Licensed operators would need to comply with the new standards, while illegal websites could continue offering games without equivalent certification, oversight, or consumer protection requirements.
ANJL presented research, channelisation data, and comparisons with markets including the UK, Ontario, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden to support its position.
ANJL Proposes Two-Phase Implementation
Rather than opposing the overall regulatory direction, ANJL proposed implementing the new requirements in two stages.
The first phase would introduce measures focused on player protection, interface design, transparency, and advertising. These rules would not immediately require operators to change game mechanics or recertify existing products, allowing businesses to maintain operational continuity.
The second phase would address requirements that directly affect game mechanics and require technical modifications or recertification. ANJL suggested introducing these measures only after Brazil publishes and implements its B2B supplier regulations, followed by an additional transition period.
The SPA/MF welcomed the phased approach and said it would review the proposal internally. However, ANJL stressed that the proposal does not resolve all of its concerns regarding the ordinance.
Industry Seeks Changes to Game Round Duration
ANJL also proposed changes to the planned minimum duration for online game rounds. While the draft rules reportedly consider a five-minute minimum, the association suggested a 2.5-second interval based on regulatory approaches in the UK and Ontario.
Discussions Continue Before Rules Take Effect
The discussions will continue with other government bodies, including the National Consumer Secretariat (SENACON) and Secretariat for Digital Innovation (SEIDIGI).
As Brazil prepares to introduce stricter online game standards, the outcome of these discussions could determine how quickly operators and suppliers must adapt their products while maintaining a competitive regulated market.
