Betting inducements ban in Brazil gives Australia a window into possible reforms
Brazil will ban wagering incentives in a new, tighter gambling regulatory environment that could easily be mirrored in Australia.
Bonuses and free bets will be outlawed under a reviewed framework of updated legal requirements in the South American country.
“It is forbidden for the operating agent to grant, in any form, an advance, anticipation, bonus or prior advantage, even if merely for promotion, publicity or advertising, for the placing of bets,” the country’s regulator said.
The ban is anticipated to be enforced in October and comes amid an increase in online bookmakers opening in Brazil.
It could also provide a snapshot of the Australian wagering landscape if and when the federal government acts on the 31 recommendations in the “You Win Some, You Lose More” report.
One of the key recommendations in the report advised the government to ban wagering operators from offering incentives as a matter of urgency.
“The committee recommends that the Australian government prohibit all online gambling inducements and inducement advertising, and that it do so without delay,” it said.
Bren O’Brien
But a blanket ban on incentives such as bonus bets, boosted odds, multis and deposit matches is of a major concern for racing authorities and bookmakers.
They insist a ban on marketing-based inducements would leave a massive hole in annual revenues and that will lead to diminished returns to the racing industry.
Since the report’s release in June last year, racing administrators and gambling operators have lobbied the federal government extensively to ignore the recommendation.
The financial consequences of such legislation could be dire for an industry dealing with a cooling wagering market, the Albanese government has been warned.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland will be responsible for acting on the recommendations in the report.
Warwick Barr
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