Brazil announces new President of Betting Secretariat
The Ministry of Finance of Brazil has recently confirmed the appointment of Régis Anderson Dudena as the inaugural President of the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA). This confirmation, announced via a decree in the Official Gazette of the Union, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Brazil’s betting market.
Dudena, a legal scholar with an extensive background in the legal sector, has previously advised the government on key issues related to the Ministry of Finance1. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the SPA, Brazil’s regulatory body for upcoming betting markets, is setting a federal framework for sports betting and online gambling activities.
Dudena’s personal background is as impressive as his professional achievements. He is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in Public and Regulatory Law. He pursued advanced studies in Law at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where he is currently a PhD student. Throughout his career, Dudena has held various positions of responsibility in both the public and private sectors, including serving as a partner in a law firm specialising in Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy. He also served as the legal superintendent of Desenvolvimento São Paulo, the Development Agency of the State of São Paulo, and as a legal advisor to the presidency of the Development Bank of Minas Gerais.
As the leader of the SPA, Dudena will oversee a department of 38 experts who are accountable to eight governors, each responsible for aspects of Brazil’s economic and financial governance. In April, the SPA disclosed its intent to finalise the betting market’s regulatory framework through a ‘four-phase execution,’ developing technical ordinances on payment authorizations, safer gambling duties, and market protection.
The previous week, the SPA issued its payment-related technical ordinances, upholding the government’s prohibition on credit card transactions and bonus incentives. Dudena’s appointment aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s plan to introduce the betting market in 2024, which is contingent on the completion of these technical ordinances.
The appointment of Regis Dudena marks a new era for Brazil’s betting market. His extensive legal background and experience in public and regulatory law make him an ideal leader to navigate the complexities of this emerging market. As Brazil moves forward with its plans to regulate sports betting and online gambling activities, the industry will undoubtedly benefit from Dudena’s leadership and expertise.
