The Brazilian government has appointed Giovanni Rocco Neto as the first National Secretary of Sports Betting for the Economic Development of Sport.
Neto will lead efforts to coordinate and oversee the economic growth of Brazilian sports, leveraging the launch of the Bets market — a framework to regulate online betting and gaming in Brazil starting in 2025.
Neto has previously served as a counsellor in the Ministry of Sport, where he led the Committee of Integrity, Rights, and Duties in Betting and Gaming.
His new role will operate independently from the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), which regulates Brazilian gambling under Secretary Regis Dudena, reporting to the Ministry of Finance.
Neto will report to Sports Minister André Fufuca, who created this role to maintain the integrity and economic growth of Brazilian sports through the Bets market.
Fufuca emphasised the goal of establishing a transparent, well-regulated environment that supports both economic growth and ethical standards.
Neto stated the importance of viewing sports betting as recreation rather than a primary income source, aiming to preserve the integrity and excitement of Brazilian sports. The government anticipates generating around R$ 2bn (€400m) annually in tax revenue from the regulated sports betting market. These funds will support social programs, sports development, and public security.
Plínio Lemos Jorge, President of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), supported Neto’s appointment, citing it as a step towards a fair and responsible betting market in Brazil.
In September, the SPA completed its technical processes to finalise compliance requirements for the Bets market. The SPA is now reviewing 113 licensing applications from operators seeking to join the market, which is set to launch in January 2025.
