The recent regulation of igaming and sports betting in Brazil has stirred up significant debate, particularly concerning the impact of religion on these laws. Brazil, a country deeply rooted in Christian values, sees religion play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and legislative outcomes. This article delves into how religious beliefs influence gambling regulations and the broader political landscape in Brazil.
Religious Landscape in Latin America
Latin America, despite having no official state religion, is predominantly Christian. Magnho José, editor of BNLData and president of the Instituto Brasileiro Jogo Legal, highlights, “The Latin American people are, for the most part, Christian.” In most Latin American countries, over 80% of the population identifies as Christian, including both Catholics and evangelicals.
Hugo Baungartner, vice-president of global markets at Aposta Ganha, supports this view, noting that religion increasingly influences politics in the region. “Currently, the strength of religion on the continent and the advancement of a religious influence in institutional politics is notorious,” he says.
Religious Influence on Brazil’s Legislative Process
Brazil stands out in Latin America for the significant religious influence on its gambling policies. Despite being a secular country with a national day devoted to religious freedom (7 January), religious beliefs heavily impact political decisions. The Global Religion 2023 study revealed that 89% of Brazilians believe in God or a higher power, reflecting the strong religious presence in the country’s politics.
Magnho José explains, “Over the last 82 years, several topics have caused controversy in Brazil, among them the legalisation of gambling.” The debate over gambling regulation often gets muddied by religious perspectives, making it challenging to reach objective decisions.
Evangelical Movement and Gambling Legislation
The evangelical movement has gained considerable momentum in Brazil, with around a third of the population identifying as evangelical in 2022. This demographic shift has led to significant opposition to gambling legislation from evangelical lawmakers. Bill 3,626/2023, aimed at regulating sports betting and igaming, faced substantial resistance from these lawmakers, almost stalling its progress.
Felipe Fraga, an expert on Latin America, emphasizes, “No other country with a large population has such a significant evangelical presence as Brazil. The neo-pentecostal movement is particularly powerful and well-connected politically.”
Unintended Consequences of Religious Opposition
Religious opposition to gambling regulation may inadvertently support the black market. Baungartner argues that religious arguments against gambling, which label it as the “devil’s business,” fail to recognize the benefits of regulation. He believes that regulated gambling is safer and more beneficial for society than unregulated markets.
Fraga, an evangelical himself, contends that regulation can safeguard Brazilian citizens by preventing issues like addiction, money laundering, and match-fixing. He states, “The idea of regulation guarantees taxation and societal safety, offering fair rules for modern entertainment.”
Family Values and Moral Concerns
At the heart of the evangelical opposition to gambling are concerns about family values. The National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) argues that gambling causes “irreparable moral, social, and particularly, family damage.” Such moral arguments are powerful, but they often overshadow the potential benefits of regulated gambling.
Evangelicals and other religious politicians also raise legitimate concerns about money laundering and tax evasion, which regulation could effectively address. However, these concerns are often entangled with broader moral and ethical arguments against gambling.
The Path to Regulation
Religious influence on gambling laws in Brazil has a long history. Gambling was banned in 1946 due to religious pressure, and even when bingo was legalized between 1994 and 2005, it was eventually prohibited again. The recent passage of Bill 3,626/2023, which regulates sports betting and igaming, marks a significant milestone in this ongoing struggle.
However, José warns that the battle is far from over. “There is a great risk of backsliding,” he states. While he doesn’t foresee a complete repeal of gambling laws, he anticipates that religious groups will continue to oppose and hinder the expansion of gambling operations in Brazil.
A Brighter Future for Gambling in Brazil?
Despite these challenges, there is hope for a stable regulatory environment for gambling in Brazil. Baungartner remains optimistic, viewing gambling as a business whose acceptance will grow over time. Fraga concurs, believing that as the industry demonstrates its value in creating jobs, stimulating the economy, and providing entertainment, there will be less reason to revoke the laws.
In conclusion, while the road to gambling regulation in Brazil is fraught with religious and moral challenges, the potential benefits of a regulated market are significant. As the country navigates this complex landscape, it must balance religious beliefs with the practical advantages of a well-regulated gambling industry.
