Europe Asia News

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a statement on measures concerning online betting platforms in the country.

Lula said, “I decided to put an end to Bets before they put an end to Brazilian families.” Noting that during their third term they had pledged to regulate the betting sector, Lula said, “I used to say that if it didn’t work, I would shut it down.”

Lula said they had introduced various regulations for the betting sector: “We created rules. We eliminated thousands of illegal sites. We blocked access for Desenrola and Bolsa Família beneficiaries. We enabled people to self-exclude from the system. We created protection networks within SUS.”

Lula said the economic gains had to be weighed against the harm suffered by the public: “The truth is that, on one side of the scale, the harm to the people was far greater than the economic gains. This is not a joke. It is a very serious matter.”

Emphasizing that they would not allow betting companies to profit from money families set aside for basic needs, Lula said, “We will not allow betting companies to profit from money meant for milk, bread and families’ food. We did what had to be done: we ended Bets.”

Lula also responded to claims that Brazilian football depends on the betting sector, saying, “Brazil became world champion five times without Bets. Our clubs conquered the world without Bets.”

Lula said, “No one will make money by exploiting the poor people of this country.”