The Associação Nacional dos Jogos e Loterias (ANJL) has criticized Nubank, one of the main digital banks in Brazil, for issuing alerts to its clients about transfers to betting sites. According to ANJL, this action exceeds the role of the financial institution and discriminates against an activity legally established in the country.
Recently, Nubank has been warning its users about transfers made to betting platforms, suggesting that they consider saving that money in applications of the digital bank itself. ANJL, together with other associations such as AIGAMING and ABRAJOGOS, issued a joint statement repudiating this practice, calling it discriminatory and contrary to the basic principles of economic freedom.
If the client confirms that he is going to play, a new message appears: “How about saving this money? Some of these games are legalized in Brazil, but there are no guarantees of winning. By saving this money instead of gambling, you are certain that it will grow without worries.”
ANJL President Plínio Lemos Jorge expressed concern about Nubank's lack of criteria in not triggering similar alerts for illegal operators, which he says worsens the situation rather than strengthening regulation in the country. ANJL emphasizes that the gambling sector is legalized in Brazil and that actions such as Nubank's can harm public perception of an industry that contributes significantly to the national economy. In the area of financial transactions, Brazil has seen remarkable growth in digital payments.
The Pix instant payment system, launched by the Central Bank in 2020, has transformed the way Brazilians make transactions. In 2023, 36 billion transactions were recorded through Pix, with a total volume of US$3.3 trillion. This system has facilitated financial inclusion and promoted the digitalization of payments throughout the country.
ANJL urges financial institutions to respect legitimate business activities and not to interfere in the personal decisions of consumers. The association advocates for fair treatment and respect for current legislation, recalling that the betting sector already contributes to the development of Brazil by paying taxes and generating formal jobs.
This debate highlights the need for clear and balanced regulation that protects consumers and, at the same time, recognizes the legitimacy of industries operating within the Brazilian legal framework.
Collaboration between the parties involved will be essential to move towards solutions that benefit both consumers and businesses.
