Brazil: Betting Association Challenges Presidential Candidate Romeu Zema Over Falsehoods

The political landscape in Brazil is heating up as the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) takes a firm stand against misinformation. The association has issued an extrajudicial notification to presidential candidate Romeu Zema of the Novo party. According to the ANJL, Zema has disseminated false information regarding the country's regulated sports betting and internet gaming sector across various platforms, including social media, public events, and official statements. The industry representatives argue that these claims distort the reality of how the legal market operates and could negatively influence both the public and regulatory authorities.

ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge emphasized that the regulated sector consists of companies authorized by the federal government that strictly adhere to their tax and legal obligations. The notification demands a public apology and a correction of the allegedly false data provided by Zema. If the candidate fails to comply, the association has signaled its intent to pursue legal action for compensation of moral and material damages. This move is seen as a necessary defense of the industry's legitimacy during a sensitive election period marked by high political polarization and concerns over digital disinformation.

Numbers and facts

The economic contribution of the betting sector in Brazil is substantial. According to data provided by the ANJL, licensed operators generated R$9.95 billion in tax revenue during 2025. This momentum continued into 2026, with R$7.28 billion collected in the first half of the year alone. Currently, 85 companies are licensed to operate within the federal framework. Furthermore, 13% of wagering proceeds are earmarked for essential public services, including sports development, health, public security, and education. These figures demonstrate the sector's integration into the national economy.

Player protection measures are also a key part of the regulated market's defense. The association reports that 1.2 million individuals have utilized voluntary self-exclusions (VSEs), a tool designed to help consumers manage their gambling habits responsibly. Plínio Lemos Jorge commented on the situation:

„The regulated betting sector, made up of companies authorized by the federal government and that strictly comply with their tax obligations, will not accept speeches based on guesswork or without evidence. In addition to being irresponsible, this type of positioning demonstrates a lack of concern on the part of the candidate in addressing relevant issues based on concrete facts and technical data.“ - Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of ANJL

Background

Founded in March 2023, the ANJL represents the interests of the gaming and lottery industry, promoting transparency and security. However, the legal market still faces significant competition from illegal operators. Authorities in Brazil have already blocked over 60,000 unauthorized websites, but the ANJL estimates that up to R$40 billion could still be circulating in the underground economy annually. The struggle for market share is thus compounded by the struggle for a fair public narrative, especially when politicians use the sector as a target for populist rhetoric.

The broader context of Brazilian politics involves recent history where election systems and technology companies like Dominion or Smartmatic were subjects of unfounded fraud claims. While these specific claims are separate from the betting industry, the climate of skepticism and the spread of debunked narratives provide the backdrop for the current dispute with Romeu Zema. The industry's proactive legal stance marks a shift toward aggressive fact-based defense against political disinformation.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the Brazilian situation highlights the importance of a well-defined legal framework. Germany operates under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), which provides a high level of clarity through the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the States). Unlike the volatile political debates in Brazil, the German market is governed by a whitelist that clearly identifies legal operators. Playing at a licensed site ensures that all consumer protection laws are enforced, such as the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 Euro per spin limit on slots.

German regulations also include the LUGAS and OASIS systems, which offer more robust protection than the voluntary self-exclusion systems currently seen in Brazil. For a player in Germany, the main takeaway is to always verify a casino's license via the GGL whitelist. This protects against the risks associated with illegal offshore operators, which lack the transparency and fiscal accountability that the ANJL is currently fighting for in South America.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos holding a GGL license can view the Brazilian conflict as a reminder of the value of legal certainty. In Germany, the strict requirements for licensing serve as a shield against political attacks, as operators can point to their continuous monitoring by state authorities. The effort by the ANJL to protect the reputation of licensed firms reflects a global trend where regulated industries must actively combat the stigma often fueled by political actors who ignore economic data and technical facts regarding player safety and tax contributions.